Sergeant Robert Anderson

1921 – 2016 Boy Entrant (pre WW2) Founder member of the original Boy Entrants Photographic Association Honorary member of the RAF Photographers Association

Robert joined the Royal Air Force as a “Boy Entrant” where he trained as a photographer at the RAF School of Photography, Cosford. He graduated in December 1938 as Aircraftman First Class, Photographer and went on to serve with nearly 30 different combat units throughout WW2, eventually being discharged in May 1948 in the rank of Sergeant. Robert’s war record shows that he sailed on HM Troopship SS Yoma in February 1941 as part of a large convoy en route to South Africa and then Egypt. He served in the Western Desert from February 1941 on photo reconnaissance duties. Here his role was processing photos of enemy bases, ships and troop movements. Robert also served in Italy during the intense allied offensive against the German Army as they were driven north. After the war ended, Robert’s duties continued in the troubled post war world, most notably with the British peace keeping force in Palestine. Robert’s contribution to the war effort was recognised with a clutch of awards he received including the 1939-1945 Star and Medal, the Africa Star, the Italy Star, the Defence Medal, the General Service Medal for his time in Palestine. After demobilisation, Robert continued to take an interest in service life and the experiences of his comrades. He was a founder member of the original (ex WW2) Boy Entrant Photographers Association, which became the RAF Photographers Association and was made “Honorary Member” in recognition of his long service. He was also a member of the Medmenham Association and the Royal British Legion. He is greatly missed by friends and family in the Birkenhead area and colleagues in the RAF Photographers Association.

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Rob joined as a Boy Entrant and passed-out from the School of Photography in 1938. During WW2 he saw active service in North Africa, Palestine and Italy. He was demobbed in 1948 with the rank of Sergeant.

I was saddened to learn of Rob Anderson’s recent passing. Rob was a stalwart member of the Photographers Association for many years and indeed was made an Honorary member some years ago in recognition of his long service. I know I speak for many Association members when I offer my deepest sympathy to his friends and family in the Birkenhead area. He will be sadly missed.

By kind permission of the RAF Photographers Association magazine ‘Flashback’

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