Issue 38 Summer web 23 - Flipbook - Page 97
A Spitfire Named Connie
As the Army Flying Museum in Middle Wallop gears up
for its annual fundraiser - Wallop Wheels and Wings which opened on 1 July, it continues to push the events
side of the Museum by delivering yet another fascinating
monthly lecture.
to see, somehow survived his Spitfire’s crash-landing and
after being found lying near the wreckage by an Army
patrol, he was moved from casualty clearing stations to
hospitals across Tunisia and Algeria where doctors try
desperately to save his sight. Finally, unable to stand the
pain any longer, he reluctantly agreed to the removal of
his right eye, which sadly saw the end of his flying career.
This month sees a first time visit to the Museum by
Air Marshall GA ‘Black Robertson’ CBE, the son of a decorated Spitfire ace, with a lecture very close to his heart.
Desk-bound for the remainder of the war, the second,
more poignant phase of his RAF life began. The young
schoolgirl, Connie Freeman, with whom Robbie remained
in regular correspondence with since her evacuation,
became his wife.
His story ‘A Spitfire Named Connie’ is an exciting,
rollercoaster of a story which will appeal not only to
military enthusiasts, but also those with a love of history,
or who just like a good old love story.
Literally hundreds of Robbie’s letters form the basis of this
powerful and moving story. Together with his own and
Connie’s diaries, correspondence from RAF colleagues
and his flying logbook, they bring a unique authenticity
to this highly-charged and emotive tale.
‘Robbie’ Robertson began his RAF training during the
Battle of Britain and the Blitz and as he learned his trade,
he soon began rubbing shoulders with Fighter Command
heroes.
The lecture tells of his account against the Luftwaffe and
then to action in North Africa, where he was shot
down by Erich Rudorffer, one of the Luftwaffe’s most
celebrated Experten, who ended the war with over 200
victories. Robertson despite his wounds, and barely able
Join ‘Black’ in the Museum or online from Tuesday 16
May to hear the full story of Robbie’s life in the fabulous
surroundings of the Hayward Hall at the Museum and
take time to view the exhibits on display by taking a walk
around the Museum beforehand.
i
i
Conservation & Heritage Journal
95
