The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. R Crombie

Robert Crombie was born on 29th December 1910 in Paris, France, the illegitimate son of Ethel Alexandra Crombie (1889-1958). Although it was her intention to name him Robert William, only Robert was recorded on his birth certificate (below).

Ethel Crombie returned to England and the child was raised by her parents, William & Mary Ann Gillis-Crombie. Ethel was passed off as his elder sister.

His education is currently undocumented.

He married Phyllis Edina Helson Luscombe (1911-1958) in July 1933.

Crombie joined the RAF in September 1939, mustered as a u/t Air Gunner. He completed his training and then joined 141 Squadron at Turnhouse in 1940.

The squadron went south to West Malling on 12th July and Crombie was in one of nine Defiants attacked by Me109s of III/JG51 off Dover on 19th July. His aircraft, L6974, was shot down into the Channel. The pilot, P/O JR Kemp, and Crombie were both reported 'Missing'.

Crombie was 29. With no known grave, his name is on the Runnymede Memorial, Panel 13.

(Above image courtesy of Dean Sumner)

He is also commemorated on his wife's grave at Lightwater as Robert William (below).

Additional research courtesy of Karen Catchpole.