Robert Emil Simonsen

Robert Emil Simonsen is born c. 1920 in Canada. He is the son of Danish immigrant Niels Christian Emil and Beatrice Maud Simonsen (nee Hunt). He is a born British Subject, and is, thus, categorised as Canadian. [1]

During the Second World War he volunteers for Royal Canadian Air Force (R.69719). He is trained as pilot.

He is in operational service overseas. The exact date is not known. On 15 July 1941 he is posted from No. 124 Sqn to No. 607 Sqn. He serves this squadron for only a brief period as he is posted to No. 17 Squadron on 31 August 1941. [2]

He is later posted to No. 112 Squadron in North Africa.

He is killed in action on 14 March 1942. On this day, 12 Kittyhawks of No. 450 and 3 RAAF Sqns escort a force of 12 Bostons attacking Martuba. 12 Kittyhawks of No. 112 Squadrons carry out a diversionary sweep in the area. A formation of Italian Macchi 202 and Bf 109 attacks.

Led by S/L Clive Caldwell, No. 112 arrives at the scene and dives into the battle. Caldwell shoots down a MC 202 and shares a Bf 109 with Sgt. Urbanczk. Unfortunately, a Macchi shoots Simonsen down in flames. [3]

Information gathered in cooperation with John Engelsted.

Sources

1. Ontario, Canada Marriages, 1801-1928
2. AIR 27/2093
3. Shores and Ring, 1969