Leefe Robinson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Birth name | William Leefe Robinson |
| Born | 14 July 1895 Pollibetta, Coorg, India |
| Died | 31 December 1918 (aged 23) Stanmore, Middlesex, England |
| Buried | All Saints' Churchyard Extension, Harrow Weald, Middlesex |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Years of service | 1914–1918 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 39 Squadron 48 Squadron |
| Commands | Flight Commander |
| Battles / wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
William Leefe Robinson VC (14 July 1895 – 31 December 1918) was the first British pilot to shoot down a German airship over Britain during the First World War. For this, he was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He was the first person to be awarded the VC for action in the UK.[1]
His action marked a turning point in the war against the airship menace, and caused the German airship bombing campaign to falter. In the three months afterwards, five more airships were shot down using the combat techniques he had proven.
- ^ "Captain William Leefe Robinson", The RAF Hornchurch Project,
citing Cooksley, P. 1999. VC's of the First World War