Sleeping in a Hole in the Ground

Mr. Robertson describes the structure created by the crew underground.

William “Bill” Robertson

Mr. William “Bill” Robertson was born June 13, 1921 in Toronto, Ontario. He was raised in a family of five with three brothers and one sister. Growing up in the province of Ontario, Mr. Robertson received his grade 12 education and with the awareness of war, had a keen desire to join the Air Force. In 1942, he attended observer training and in April of that year received his wings. He held the rank of navigator with the RAF 158 Squadron. On May 13, 1944 during a routine flight towards Belgium, his aircraft was shot down and he and the surviving members of the crew spent many months in hiding from the Germans in the hopes of one day being free. As freedom became a reality, Mr. Robertson returned home to Canada with his wife Violet. He and his family reside in Belleville, Ontario.

Medium:

Video

Owner:

Veterans Affairs Canada

Duration:

2:22

Person Interviewed:

William “Bill” Robertson

War, Conflict or Mission:

Second World War

Branch:

Air Force

Units/Ship:

158 Squadron

Occupation:

Navigator

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