Friday Morning Talks: The Shy Assassin – With Air Marshal ‘Black’ Robertson

Join us at the Museum for our Friday Morning Talk, where Air Marshal ‘Black‘ Robertson CBE BA FRAeS FRSA RAF (Retd) will be talking to us about the story of Cyril Babbage, Battle of Britain Spitfire ace and D-Day Mosquito pilot.

This is the inspiring story of the young butcher’s son who survived being shot down three times to become a decorated Battle of Britain Spitfire ace. Rescued once from the sea by fishermen, Cyril Babbage briefly became the face of ‘the Few’ when he was pictured emerging from a boat on the beach at Bognor. He further distinguished himself by becoming the first man to shoot down one of the Luftwaffe’s new Fw 190 fighters. After two years as a flying instructor, he returned to the front line flying Mosquitos with an elite Australian night intruder squadron. The early hours of D-Day found him targeting communication hubs deep behind the lines in occupied France. A man who simply loved to fly, like so many who survived in wartime, Babbage enjoyed more than his fair share of luck; he ended his flying career instructing on Meteors and Vampires.

Black Robertson joined the RAF in 1963, instantly acquiring the nickname that’s remained with him ever since. After three years at the RAF College Cranwell he spent the next 33 in flying, staff and command appointments, including tours of duty in the USA, Germany and the Falkands. He flew all the RAF’s front line fast jet aircraft and also qualified as a helicopter pilot. The air marshal regarded ten years, five tours, as a Whitehall warrior as necessary penance for the privilege of commanding 92 Squadron, flying Phantoms, and his subsequent appointment as an ADC to HM The Queen. After a second career in business, latterly running his own defence consultancy, he now spends his time writing and lecturing The Shy Assassin is his fifth book.

About the speaker

Black Robertson joined the RAF in 1963, instantly acquiring the nickname that’s remained with him ever since. After three years at the RAF College Cranwell he spent the next 33 in flying, staff and command appointments, including tours of duty in the USA, Germany and the Falkands. He flew all the RAF’s front line fast jet aircraft and also qualified as a helicopter pilot. The air marshal regarded ten years, five tours, as a Whitehall warrior as necessary penance for the privilege of commanding 92 Squadron, flying Phantoms, and his subsequent appointment as an ADC to HM The Queen. After a second career in business, latterly running his own defence consultancy, he now spends his time writing and lecturing The Shy Assassin is his fifth book.

The talk will take place in the Museum’s Learning Centre and entry is included with Museum admission or Annual Membership.

Advance booking required – please reserve your place via the link below.

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