The Heroic Mission of Flight Lieutenant Sir Roderic MacRobert: A Tribute to 94 Squadron RAF

The Anglo-Iraqi War and RAF Habbaniya

Much has been written about the Anglo-Iraqi War in 1941, particularly the siege of RAF Habbaniya during May. However, the vital role of 94 Squadron in this battle is often overlooked. I want to share the story of Flight Lieutenant Sir Roderic MacRobert, who made the ultimate sacrifice on a daring mission to bomb the Iraqi air force base at Mosul, located 250 miles north of RAF Habbaniya.

The Fateful Mission

At 0640 on 22 May 1941, just six days after losing a close friend, Flt Lt Sir Roderic took off in Hurricane N2498. He was joined by F/O Edward A Metcalfe in Hurricane V7543. Their mission was to attack the German air base at Mosul. After about an hour, they arrived over Mosul, ready to execute their pre-arranged plan. Each pilot was to carry out two short strafing runs on the airfield's infrastructure and any visible aircraft before making a hasty retreat back to RAF Habbaniya.

Sir Roderic went in first. He completed his initial strafing run, igniting two petrol lorries and damaging several parked aircraft. As he climbed away and circled back for his second run, he spotted F/O Metcalfe’s Hurricane diving steeply towards a cluster of enemy aircraft parked near the runway. Men were rushing from the main buildings, likely trying to save the planes and engage the Hurricanes before they could escape.

By the time Sir Roderic committed to his second run, a thick pall of black smoke billowed over the remains of the lorries. He chose an approach that would maximize his firepower on the already damaged aircraft. Once his ammunition was exhausted, he climbed away and headed south, not waiting for his wingman to finish his run or checking if any enemy aircraft had taken off in pursuit. Time was of the essence.

The Tragic Outcome

Tragically, Sir Roderic was never seen alive again. When F/O Metcalfe returned to RAF Habbaniya, he assumed that Sir Roderic’s defenseless Hurricane had been shot down. He reported that several Heinkel 111 and Messerschmitt 110 bombers were destroyed during the attack, but there were likely others capable of giving chase. His assumption turned out to be correct. Sir Roderic’s crashed Hurricane was eventually located, and his body was returned to Mosul for burial.

It’s ironic to think that had Sir Roderic been shot down closer to RAF Habbaniya, he would have been buried there. He would have been honored with a headstone at the restored Habbaniya War Cemetery, rather than being laid to rest at the nearly obliterated Mosul War Cemetery. The success of the dangerous mission to Mosul is evident in the fact that RAF Habbaniya was not bombed again.

For the complete story and the history of Sir Roderic's military service and the legacy of the MacRobert family, visit the Siege of Habbaniya page on my website. This will include details about his role in lifting the siege at RAF Habbaniya. In the meantime, I’ve included an extract below along with photographs of Sir Roderic and a long-range Hurricane Mk I fighter.

Burial location of Sir Roderic MacRobert at Mosul British War Cemetery, Iraq

Flight Lieutenant Sir Roderic MacRobert (6 Sqn and 94 Sqn) - died 22nd May 1941, Iraq

Long Range Hurricane Mk I (similar to the Hurricane flown by Sir Roderic)

Remembering Sir Roderic MacRobert

Sir Roderic MacRobert's story is a poignant reminder of the bravery exhibited by those who served in the RAF during the Anglo-Iraqi War. His mission was not just a tactical operation; it was a testament to the courage and commitment of the men who fought for their country.

As I continue to gather information for my website, I encourage you to reflect on the sacrifices made by individuals like Sir Roderic. Their legacy lives on, and it is our duty to remember and honor them.

In conclusion, the tale of Flight Lieutenant Sir Roderic MacRobert is one of heroism and sacrifice. His actions helped secure the safety of RAF Habbaniya, and his memory deserves to be preserved. I look forward to sharing more about his life and legacy soon.

If you have any questions or need assistance with research related to British military personnel, feel free to reach out. I'm here to help!