Bob Doe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Francis Thomas Doe
|
|
|---|---|
Bob Doe, during World War II
|
|
| Born | 10 March 1920 Reigate, Surrey |
| Died | 21 February 2010 (aged 89) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1939–1966 |
| Rank | Wing Commander |
| Commands held | IAF No. 10 Squadron (1943–45) |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Flying Cross & Bar |
Robert Francis Thomas Doe, known as Bob Doe, was a brave British fighter pilot. He was born on March 10, 1920, and passed away on February 21, 2010. He became a "flying ace" during the Second World War, meaning he shot down many enemy aircraft. He flew with the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the famous Battle of Britain. Later, he helped the Indian Air Force during the Burma Campaign.
Contents
Early Life
Robert Doe was born in Reigate, Surrey, England. This was on March 10, 1920. He left school early and started working as an office boy. In March 1938, he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. This group trained people to fly for the RAF. He made his first solo flight on June 16, 1938.
World War II Hero
Robert Doe officially joined the Royal Air Force in January 1939. He went through combat flight training. On November 6, 1939, he joined No. 234 Squadron. This squadron flew Spitfire planes. He served with them for most of the Battle of Britain.
Battle of Britain Victories
The Battle of Britain was a huge air battle over Britain in 1940. Robert Doe quickly became a skilled pilot. On August 15, 1940, he shot down two enemy planes. The next day, he destroyed a Messerschmitt Bf 109 and damaged a Dornier Do 18. He continued to score victories throughout August and September.
He shot down more Messerschmitt Bf 109s and Messerschmitt Bf 110s. He also helped destroy a Junkers Ju 88 and a Heinkel He 111. By the end of September, he had achieved many victories.
Joining a New Squadron
On September 27, 1940, Doe moved to No. 238 Squadron. This squadron flew Hurricane planes. He quickly got his first victory with them. He shot down a Heinkel He 111 on September 30. In October, he added two more victories. These were a Messerschmitt Bf 110 and a Junkers Ju 88. These were his last victories of the battle.
Wounds and Recovery
On October 10, 1940, Robert Doe was in a fierce air battle. His plane was badly damaged. He was also wounded in his leg and shoulder. He had to bail out of his plane. He landed safely on Brownsea Island. His Hurricane crashed nearby.
He was taken to Poole Hospital. On October 22, 1940, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross. This was a special award for bravery. A month later, he received a Bar to his medal. This meant he had earned the award again. He rejoined his squadron in December 1940.
In January 1941, he had another accident. His plane's engine froze during a night flight. He crashed while landing on a snowy runway. This crash caused serious injuries to his face and arm. He had many operations by a famous plastic surgeon. He later joined the "Guinea Pig Club." This was a group for pilots who had reconstructive surgery.
Instructor and Burma Campaign
After recovering, Robert Doe became a Flight Commander. He then joined No. 130 Squadron. His time as a front-line fighter pilot ended for a while. On October 22, 1941, he became an instructor. He taught new pilots how to fly.
In October 1943, Doe was sent to Burma. The war was still very active there. The Japanese Army was trying to advance. In December 1943, Doe helped form No. 10 Squadron of the Indian Air Force. He led this squadron throughout the Burma Campaign. This was until April 1945. For his great leadership, he received the Distinguished Service Order on October 2, 1945.
Later Life
In September 1946, Robert Doe returned to the UK. He held several important roles in the RAF. In 1952, he commanded No. 32 squadron in Egypt. He retired from the RAF on April 1, 1966. He held the rank of Wing Commander.
After retiring, Doe started a garage business. He also wrote a book about his life called Bob Doe – Fighter Pilot. He passed away on February 21, 2010, at the age of 89.
Quotations
We do not want to be remembered as heroes, we ask only to be remembered for what we did ... that's all.
—W/C Robert "Bob" Doe British 234 & 238 Squadrons Fighter Command
If you believe in yourself and believe in what you are doing then you are twice as strong as if you don't. That is what I believe and I certainly believed in my right to defend my land.
—Wing Commander Bob Doe, RAF pilot (in National Geographic)
I wasn't fighting for King and Country. I was fighting for my Mum. I just didn't want them over here. I didn't think it was right..."
—Wing Commander Bob Doe, RAF pilot (in BBC)
