William Leefe Robinson VC
Name: William Leefe Robinson
Conflict: First World War
Gazetted: September 5, 1916
Service: Army/Royal Flying Corps
William Leefe Robinson VC
Medal group
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