Robert was born in 1923 in Marylebone, London to Myer King and Elizabeth née Benjamin and he had a younger sister Rose. Robert’s father Myer owned a gents tailor shop in Paddington and in 1939 the family were living at Flat 3, Aberdeen Court, Randolph Avenue, Maida Vale.

Robert was the pilot of Wellington Z1096 which departed RAF Feltwell Took off from RAF Feltwell at 05:20 hrs to bomb Brest. It crashed at Holmebrink Farm near Methwold. The aircraft was totally destroyed after a fire broke out on impact. A local farmer Mr Thorpe, despite the danger, dragged Plt Off S G Cater from the flames and wreckage with the help of others. They then placed him in a cattle trough full of water.

The rest of the crew were killed.
Flt Lt Douglas Roy Richardson, RCAF
Sgt Eric Ewings
Sgt Victor Haig Mountstephens
Sgt Lawrence Joseph Row
Plt Off S G Carter – Injured