Harry Robinson (aviator)

Captain Harry Noel Cornforth Robinson was a World War I flying ace credited with 10 aerial victories. After winning the Military Cross and Croix de guerre, he remained in service postwar, winning the Distinguished Flying Cross in Iraq.

World War I
Robinson joined the Royal Flying Corps in March 1917. He was posted to 46 Squadron, and began his combat career with ground attack missions in France. It would be 28 December before he scored his first victory, being responsible for capturing a German reconnaissance plane.

After scoring six more victories during four days in March, on 28 March 1918 temporary second lieutenant H. N. C. Robinson was appointed a Flight Commander, with an accompanying promotion to temporary captain. He was also awarded the Military Cross that day. His MC was gazetted on 3 May 1918:

"...While on an offensive patrol he had trouble with his petrol pressure and was forced to turn back towards our lines. On his way back he saw seven enemy scouts attacking two of our artillery machines. He immediately dived on to the enemy and drove one of them down. During this operation one of his guns jammed. The enemy still continued the attack and he again dived on them, but his remaining gun also jammed. Though both his guns were out of action and he had very little petrol left, he continued to dive on the enemy repeatedly and eventually drove them away. He showed splendid courage and resource."

He scored two more victories as a Flight Commander after being reassigned to 70 Squadron.

Post World War I
Robinson remained in the Royal Air Force after the war, and was one of the fliers posted to maintain control in Iraq. For his actions there, on 28 October 1921, Robinson was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross:

"...A gallant and daring pilot, especially while operating round Samawah and Nasiriyeh. His keenness at all times has been marked."

On 24 October 1923, Robinson was granted a permanent commission as a Flying Officer. After that, he disappears into the mists of time.

List of aerial victories
All but the last two victories were won while with 46 Squadron; the remainder were won while with 70 Squadron.