The Airmen's Stories - P/O R H Rigby

Robert Harold Rigby was born in Alsager, Cheshire on 22nd December 1915, the son of Howard and Ursula Rigby.

He attended Sandbach School.

Rigby joined the RAF on a short service commission in March 1939 and carried out his initial training at 10 E&RFTS Yatesbury, moving to 5 FTS Sealand on 30th May.

Above: Rigby second from left, the others unknown, and below with his mother Ursula.

He joined 236 Squadron at Stradishall on 6th November 1939.

Rigby failed to return from a photographic-reconnaissance operation over Le Havre on 18th July 1940 in Blenheim L6639. The weather was bad and intense flak was encountered over Cap de la Hague though it is believed the aircraft was shot down by a Me109.

Sgt DD Mackinnon was also lost.

Rigby was 24. His body was washed ashore at St. Adresse, north of Le Havre port. He is buried in Sainte Marie Cemetery, Le Havre, France.

Additional research and all images courtesy of Kate Gibson (niece).