Hutchison, Robert Edward George

Operation Chastise (Dambusters Raid)

Date of birth:: April 26th, 1918 (Liverpool, United Kingdom)
Date of death:: September 16th, 1943 (Nordhorn, Germany)
Buried on:: Commonwealth War Cemetery Reichswald Forest
Plot: 16. Row: B. Grave: 13-16.
Service number:: 120854
Nationality:: British

Biography

The eldest of Robert and Ada Hutchison's four children, Robert Edward George Hutchison, was born in Liverpool on April 26, 1918. Hutchison was granted admission at the renowned Liverpool Institute on a scholarship. Following his graduation, he worked in the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board's main accountant's department until enlisting in the RAF shortly after the war started.

He completed his last training as an air gunner and wireless operator at RAF Finningley's 25 OTU. On December 15, 1941, he conducted his first operational mission to Ostend after being assigned to 106 Squadron in Coningsby in December 1941.

In February 1943, a recommendation was made for Hutchison to receive the DFC.

On 19 March 1943, he was assigned to the 1654 Conversion Unit; however, on 25 March, he was moved to the 617 Squadron.

In 617 Squadron, Hutchison served as the senior wireless operator and held the position of Signals Leader, where he oversaw the training for all of his fellow operators. On 8 May, Hutchison practiced using the new VHF radios to get ready for the Dams Raid.

Hutchison was part of the first wave (Lancaster ED932) to attack Möhne Dam on the night of 16/17 May 1943. The mine exploded short of the dam.

Hutchison received a DFC bar for his contribution to the Dams Raid.

On the night of the Dortmund Ems canal raid, he was shot down and killed on 16 September 1943. Robert Hutchison lies with the rest of his crew members at the Reichswald War Cemetery.

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Pilot Officer
Unit:: No. 106 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: February 12th, 1943

"This officer has flown on numerous operational sorties, including attacks on the majority of the enemy's most heavily defended targets, he also participated in daylight raids on Danzig, Le Creusot and Milan. One night in January, 1943, he was detailed to attack Berlin On the outward journey the electrical circuits in the mid-upper turret of his aircraft failed. With skill and determination Pilot Officer Hutchison repaired the defect although owing to the intense cold he was nearly unconscious by the time the repair was finished. At all times this officer has set an outstanding example of courageous devotion to duty which has been an inspiration to his squadron."

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Flight Lieutenant
Unit:: No. 617 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: May 28th, 1943
Awarded for:: Operation Chastise

"On the night of 16th May, 1943, a force of Lancaster bombers was detailed to attack the Mohne, Eder and Sorpe dams in Germany. The operation was one of great difficulty and hazard, demanding a high degree of skill and courage and close co-operation between the crews of the aircraft engaged. Nevertheless, a telling blow was struck at the enemy by the successful breaching of the Mohne and Eder dams. This outstanding success reflects the greatest credit on the efforts of the following personnel who participated in the operation in various capacities as members of aircraft crew."

Awarded as bar on the ribbon of the first medal.