Robertshaw, William John (Johnny)
- Township: Embro & West Zorra
- Rank: Sergeant
- Branch: Air Force
- Regiment number: R-90445
- Date of birth: 1913
- Where born: Mission City, British Columbia, Canada
- Date of death: January 9, 1942
- Burial location: Kinloss Abbey in Morayshire, Scotland.
- Wars Served: World War II
- Years of service: March 1941 - January 9, 1942
- Country enlisted with: Canada
Biography
William John Robertshaw (1913-1942) was born in Mission City, British Columbia, a son of Ralph and Florence Robertshaw of Lot 15, Concession 5, West Zorra. His siblings included sisters Laura and Mary and brothers Arthur, George and Herbert. He enlisted in March 1941. Johnny trained in Toronto, Trenton, Prince Albert and Saskatoon before going overseas with the Air Force in November 1941. Prior to enlisting he was a signaller with the Oxford Rifles and in 1930 was a member of the championship signalling team. He was killed in a plane crash while training in Scotland on Jan. 9, 1942. He was buried at Kinloss Abbey in Morayshire, Scotland.
The following poem was published anonymously in the Woodstock Sentinel Review:
TO JOHN ROBERTSHAW
John Robertshaw of Lot 15, Concession 5, was killed in a plane crash while training in Scotland on January 9, 1942.
John Robertshaw, Howe'er it blow,
We ken you'll make your flight,
And chase the black spear-toting Hun
And prove that right is might...
John Robertshaw, this much we know,
It was your sense of duty
That sent you skyward in your plane
Not hope of fame or booty...
John Robertshaw, this bit of you
For you and all the fellows
Who chase Herr Hitler till he swings
Where justice sets her gallows.
John Robertshaw, Howe'er it blow,
May wings ne'er fail nor fall.
May your co-pilot be the One
Who guides and keeps us all.
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