Robert Francis "Chico" Robertson was born in Lisbon to a Scottish father and a Spanish mother, a family related to the wine business.

The name "Chico" is obviously not part of his surname, but he was known as such by his family due to his Mediterranean appearance.

The young George was sent young by his parents to study in England. In July 1940, at the age of 22, he enlisted in the British armed forces. He was sent to the Royal Air Force and underwent various courses and training over the next two years.

Between 1942 and 1943 Robertson was a member of the 9th Squadron of the RAF, stationed at Waddington, and completed 33 missions in Avro Lancaster bombers over enemy-controlled territory. Only on one of these flights did he encounter resistance from enemy fighters.

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George "Chico" Robertson talking to Fernando Pessa on a BBC programme broadcasted to Portugal
(Picture: Mundo Gráfico Magazine, 15 February 1943 edition)

More about Fernando Pessa HERE.

In late 1942 or early 1943 he gave an interview to the journalist Fernando Pessa, one of the main voices of the BBC broadcasting to Portugal. In this conversation, Robertson talks about his passion for the Portuguese guitar and also plays the instrument.

In 1943, he married Yvonne Barret, from Essex, in England. In August of the same year, he was transferred to Chipping Warden base, where the 12th Operational Training Unit was located, taking on training duties.

On 5 April 1944, he suffered an accident while riding a motorcycle, leaving him with a 30% disability.

For his career in the RAF, he received three decorations: the 1939-1945 Star; the 1939-1945 War Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).

Carlos Guerreiro