Robert Herring (RAF officer) facts for kids

Robert Samuel Herring (born July 27, 1897, died September 11, 1953) was a brave British officer. He served in the Army and the Royal Air Force during both World War I and World War II. During World War I, he became a "flying ace" – meaning he shot down many enemy planes! Later, in World War II, he was captured and spent a long time as a prisoner of war.

Serving in World War I

Robert Herring was born in Hunstanton, England. He joined the Army before World War I even started. In November 1914, he was sent to France to fight on the Western Front. This was a major battle area.

In March 1917, Robert became a second lieutenant in the London Regiment. A few months later, in August, he joined the Royal Flying Corps. Here, he trained to be an observer and gunner. By November 1917, he was flying with 48 Squadron in a Bristol F.2 Fighter plane.

Becoming a Flying Ace

Between January and March 1918, Robert Herring helped shoot down five enemy aircraft. This made him a "flying ace." Here are some of his brave actions:

• On January 25, Robert and his pilot, Lieutenant Hugh Elliott, were checking enemy positions. They were attacked by a German pilot named Heinrich Kroll. Robert fired his machine gun, and Kroll's plane was damaged. It crashed behind enemy lines.
• On January 28, during another mission, Robert and his pilot, Frank Ransley, attacked four enemy planes. They saw one enemy plane spin out of control.
• On February 9, with Herbert Hartley, he helped shoot down an Albatros D.V plane over Guise.
• On March 16, with Lieutenant P. Burrows, he claimed two more enemy planes over Bellicourt.

On March 26, Robert was badly hurt during a dogfight (a fight between planes). He returned to England in April. In January 1919, he was injured again in a flying accident. Because of his injuries, he left the military in July 1919.

Serving in World War II

Robert Herring joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in December 1941. He was sent to the Far East. In February 1942, during the Malayan Campaign, he joined the British Army. He became a captain and led a company of Chinese volunteers. This group fought against the Japanese.

On February 15, 1942, Robert was captured by the Japanese when Singapore fell. He spent the rest of the war as a prisoner in Changi. While he was a prisoner, he was promoted to the rank of major. He was finally set free in August 1945, after Japan surrendered.

Awards and Recognition

On June 22, 1918, Robert Herring was awarded the Military Cross. This award is given for bravery. His award said:

2nd Lt. Robert Samuel Herring, London Regiment and RFC.

He showed great bravery and dedication. He flew a dangerous mission under heavy enemy fire. He gathered important information and fired at enemy troops. On another flight, he was attacked by six enemy planes. He fought them off and returned with his photographs. He has shot down four enemy machines and has shown amazing determination.

Robert also received several other medals for his service. After World War I, he received the 1914 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal. After World War II, he was given the 1939–45 Star, the Pacific Star, and the War Medal.