Wartime carrier pilot flies again

Former Fleet Air Arm pilot Geoffrey ‘Robbie’ Robson, RN, who is 97-years young, went flying again recently, courtesy of the Buckminster Gliding Club at Saltby

Mr Robson, who flew Fairey Barracuda torpedo-bombers from the aircraft carrier HMS Venerable during World War Two, is a resident at the Fosse Way View care home. Mr Robson had often regaled Fiona Benning, who works there, with tales of his service flying, and often wished he could go flying again.

Fiona’s husband Gary and daughter Eve both fly with the Buckminster GC. Mrs Benning arranged a treat for Mr Robson and, rather appositely, two days before Armistice Day, FlyPast’s resident pilot Dave Unwin, who is one of the club’s Tug Pilots, took Mr Robson flying in the club’s EuroFox.

A salute from Geoffrey ‘Robbie’ Robson in the EuroFox cockpit
A salute from Geoffrey ‘Robbie’ Robson in the EuroFox cockpit VIA DAVE UNWIN

Dave reported that ‘Robbie’ had lost none of his old skills, and confidently flew over Rutland Water at 4,000ft. Fosse Way View’s Resident Liaison Manager Clare Howarth said: “This has been a wonderful experience for Robbie, and really has taken him back to his younger days. It is great to see Robbie chatting about his experience to his fellow residents, and his eyes light up when he is showing them the photographs.” 

‘Robbie’ with FlyPast’s Dave Unwin
‘Robbie’ with FlyPast’s Dave Unwin VIA DAVE UNWIN

Colette, Robbie’s daughter added: “I think that today’s experience has made Dad feel young again, it took him back to when he was a young pilot and brought back all of those memories.” The club’s Chairman, local farmer John Elkington, said: “It was a wonderful opportunity to say thank you to a veteran and give him the opportunity to have a ‘hands on’ go again” while the man himself simply said it was “tremendous!” WITH THANKS TO DAVE UNWIN

The 97-year-old veteran gets airborne with Dave from Buckminster
The 97-year-old veteran gets airborne with Dave from Buckminster VIA DAVE UNWIN