AN RAF air marshal is set to share a glimpse into his career at the latest Army Flying Museum lecture.

As the museum in Middle Wallop gears up for its annual fundraiser – Wallop Wheels and Wings – on July 1, it continues to push the events side of the Museum by delivering yet another fascinating monthly lecture.

This month sees a first-time visit to the museum by air marshal ‘Black Robertson’ CBE, the son of a decorated Spitfire ace, with a lecture very close to his heart.

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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.

‘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 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.

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.

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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.

Join ‘Black’ in the Museum or online on Tuesday, May 16 to hear the full story of Robbie’s life