William Leefe Robinson VC

Name: William Leefe Robinson

Conflict: First World War

Gazetted: September 5, 1916

Service: Army/Royal Flying Corps

Place/date of birth: Kaimabetta, South Coorg (now Pollibetta), India/July 14, 1895

Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Lieutenant (later Captain)

Date of bravery: September 2/3, 1916

London Gazette citation:

Lt. William Leefe Robinson, Worc. R. and R.F.C.

For most conspicuous bravery. He attacked an enemy airship under circumstances of great difficulty and danger, and sent it crashing to the ground as a flaming wreck.

He had been in the air for more than two hours, and had previously attacked another airship during his flight.

Click here to see full Gazette entry.

Other decorations: N/A

Place/date of death: Stanmore, Middlesex/December 31, 1918

Grave/memorials: All Saints Churchyard, Harrow Weald, London; Cuffley, Hertfordshire; St Bees School, Cumbria; RAF Memorial, St Clement Danes, London; Church of India, Pollibetta, India; Planters’ Club, Pollibetta, India

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased at auction, Christie’s, London, 1988

Current location of VC: Displayed on rotation at The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes exhibition, Imperial War Museum