Chapter 2
Robinson was not to fly again for the next three months he was obligated to the air force to attend many official engagements. He was England’s hero but this was not to Robinson’s liking, he was an airman; he wanted to fly!
Eventually he was promoted to Flight Commander and temporary Captain but he still did not have a posting, this created much anxiety. He was offered a command with the Home Defence Squadron in Northern England and Scotland but this was not why he enlisted. He decided to volunteer for duty in France.
Finally on 9th February 1917 a posting came through. Robinson joined 48 Squadron at Rendcombe in Gloucester, under Major L. Parker. The squadron was eagerly awaiting the arrival of new aircraft prior to their posting to France. Robinson’s wish had been granted, but he would not have long to enjoy his new position.
Equipped with eighteen Bristol F2a’s, 48 Squadron flew to France on 18th March 1917. The aeroplanes were to prove excellent fighters in the years to come, but in the early weeks there were problems. The new Constantinesco Synchronising gear for the forward firing Vickers gun proved to be unreliable. A more severe problem was the Vickers and Lewis guns jammed at high altitude. It was thought that the lubricating oil was freezing; Robinson suggested the guns be used without oil.
The first flight of new Bristols took off from La Bellevue airfield on 5th April. Robinson was in command with Lieutenant Edward Warburton as observer. He led his patrol in a tight formation believing the protection this provided was extremely important.
The Bristol had not yet been fully appreciated as an offensive weapon and Robinson and his squadron were not totally conversant with the fighting tactics being employed by the Germans over the Western Front. He was therefore, totally unprepared for a clash with Germany’s most famous and successful flying ace.
Leutnant Manfred Freiherr von Richthofen (“Red Baron”) was leading a squadron of five twin-gun Albatros D111 fighters, spotting the six Bristols they attacked The Germans scattered the British twin seaters and within minutes four had been forced down behind enemy lines. Vizefeldwebel Sebastian Festner brought Robinson down near Mericourt both he and Warburton were immediately captured. They were held for a few days in Karlsruhe, and then transferred to the prisoner-of-war camp in Freiberg-in-Breisgau.
The loss of four Bristol fighters came as a blow to the hard-pressed Royal Flying Corps now fighting a desperate and losing battle against a superior enemy. However, the loss of Robinson himself was a devastating blow. There were reports he had been killed and the news stunned the nation. A letter written to his beloved Joan confirming he was a prisoner brought much relief to the many people who had taken this British hero to heart.