Eugene Tobin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eugene Quimby Tobin
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Eugene Tobin (left) with Andrew Mamedoff (right) and Vernon Keough, Church Fenton, Yorkshire, October 1940
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| Nickname(s) | Red |
| Born | 4 January 1917 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Died | 7 September 1941 (aged 24) near Boulogne-sur-Mer, German-occupied France |
| Place of burial |
Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France
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| Allegiance |  France United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
France Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1940–1941 |
| Rank | Flying Officer |
| Service number | 81622 |
| Unit | No. 609 Squadron RAF No. 71 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War II
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Eugene Quimby "Red" Tobin (born January 4, 1917 – died September 7, 1941) was an American pilot. He bravely flew with the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Battle of Britain in World War II. He was one of only 11 American pilots who joined the RAF's Fighter Command between July and October 1940. Because of this, he earned a special award for his service in the Battle of Britain.
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Early Life and Flying Dreams
Eugene Tobin was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. However, he grew up in Los Angeles, California, from a young age. His parents were Ignatius Quimby Tobin and Mary Alicia Tobin.
Before World War II began, Eugene was already a skilled pilot. He learned to fly in the 1930s. He even traveled to Europe hoping to help Finland against an invasion by the Soviet Union. But the fighting ended before he arrived.
Eugene Tobin was good friends with another pilot named Andrew Mamedoff. They often flew together at Mines Field in California before the war.
Joining the Fight in World War II
When World War II started, Eugene Tobin and his friends, Andrew Mamedoff and Vernon Keogh, wanted to help. They were among 32 pilots chosen by an American soldier named Charles Sweeny. The plan was for them to join the French Air Force.
However, by the time they reached France, Germany had already invaded the country. This was part of the Battle of France. So, the three friends traveled to England instead. In 1940, they joined the Royal Air Force (RAF). Many of the other pilots recruited by Sweeny were not as lucky.
Flying for the RAF
On August 8, 1940, Tobin was sent to No. 609 Squadron RAF. This squadron was based at Middle Wallop airfield. He flew his first mission on August 16, 1940. He flew many important missions during the busiest time of the Battle of Britain in August and September.
During these flights, he helped shoot down two enemy planes. He shared credit for destroying a Messerschmitt Bf 110 on August 25. He also shared credit for shooting down a Dornier Do 17 on September 15.
On September 18, 1940, he moved to RAF Kirton in Lindsey in Lincolnshire. There, he became one of the first members of the famous No. 71 'Eagle' Squadron. He joined his friends Andrew Mamedoff and Vernon Keogh, along with Art Donahue.
A Secret Illness
After arriving in Britain, Eugene Tobin found out he had a serious health condition. At that time, it was very difficult to treat. But he kept his illness a secret. He wanted to continue flying and fighting for the RAF.
His Final Flight
On September 7, 1941, Eugene Tobin was flying with the 71 Squadron on their first mission over northern France. They were attacked by Messerschmitt Bf 109 planes from a German group called JG 26.
Tragically, Eugene Tobin's Spitfire was one of three planes shot down that day. He crashed into a hillside near Boulogne-sur-Mer. Eugene Tobin was only 24 years old when he died. He was buried in Boulogne Eastern Cemetery in France.
See also
