Flying Officer Robert Arthur Horne (175215) served in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during World War Two. He was the younger son of the late William JF Horne of Howth, Dublin, Ireland and BG Horne of 14 Cooldarragh Park, Belfast, Co. Antrim.
Horne received a promotion to Flight Sergeant on 24th October 1943 and to Flying Officer on 24th April 1944. He died on 21st January 1945 aged 32 years old. He was part of the crew of a Douglas A-20 Havoc medium bomber on reconnaissance patrols over Italy with RAF 55 Squadron.
Squadron Leader RH Stringer and crew took off in Boston BZ592 on an armed reconnaissance at 1826hrs on 21st January 1945. The target was road movement in the area between 55 Northing and the Po River, and between Ferrar M1286 and eastwards to the coast.
The moon was at first quarter, there was no cloud. Crews operating in the same area report excellent visibility and very good weather conditions. No signals were received from Squadron Leader String’s (sic) aircraft, which failed to return from this operation.
Wing Commander LE Leon – Officer Commanding RAF 55 Squadron.
Remembering the crew of Boston BZ592
| Last Name | First Name(s) | Rank | Role | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Douglass | Leonard Walter | Lieutenant | 329091. | |
| Horne | Robert Arthur | Flying Officer | 175215. | |
| Stringer | Ronald Henry | Squadron Leader | J/9653. | |
| Wheatley | Edward Henry | Warrant Officer | 1330271. |
Robert Arthur Horne’s grave is in Section I, Row G, Grave 8-11 of Argenta Gap War Cemetery, Italy. His headstone bears the inscription:
I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith.