Short Type 184 N1647 at Hornsea.
On 28th February 1918 this RNAS aeroplane took off from RNAS Hornsea and climbed to 2,500 feet with the crew about to begin a patrol flight over the North Sea. While flying over or close to Hornsea Mere the aeroplane sideslipped, the pilot lost control and it spun into the ground. The incident probably occurred close to Hornsea Mere, where the RNAS based their float planes, and a fire developed. One of the crew managed but sustained injuries while another of the crew could not get clear and was killed. The incident was recorded in the service files of both the crew as "large seaplane fallen in flames into Hornsea Mere" also, when at 2500 feet machine spun into the ground and burst into flames. (Robertson) got clear but was badly burned about face and hands. Removed to Hornsea Hospital". What actually appears to have happened is the Robertson got clear then returned to the burning aeroplane to try and rescue F/Lt Lemon and received burns in attempting to rescue him. While these actions were unsuccessful he was later awarded the Albert Medal, Gazetted on 15th June 1918. The citation stated..
"On the 28th February, 1918, a Seaplane got out of control and spun to the ground Acting Flight Commander Robertson, the Observer, jumped from the machine just before it reached the ground and landed safely, as the ground was marshy. The Pilot, Flight Lieutenant H. C. Lemon, was imprisoned in the Seaplane, which, on striking the ground, immediately burst into flames, and notwithstanding that the vicinity of the Seaplane was quickly a furnace of blazing petrol, and that heavy bombs, a number of rounds of ammunition, and the reserve petrol tank were all likely to explode, Acting Flight Commander Robertson returned and endeavoured to extricate the Pilot, and only desisted when he had been so severely burned in the face, hands and leg that his recovery was for some time in doubt. He displayed the greatest gallantry, self-sacrifice and disregard of danger in his efforts to extricate the Pilot."
Pilot - F/Lt Hubert Charles Lemon MiD RNAS, aged 22. Buried Tooting Churchyard, London.
Pilot - Flt Cdr Paul Douglas Robertson RNAS. Injured.
Hubert Lemon was born on 14th May 1895 and was the son of Alexander James and Matilda Lemon, of Tooting, London. He initially served in the RNAS holding a commission between 7th January 1916 and 26th January 1917 and initially undertook observer duties. While serving in France he undertook pilot training at No.3 Wing and was awarded a Royal Aero Club Aviators' Certificate (Cert.No.3780) on 14th October 1916. To transfer to begin a pilot he had to reliquish his initial commission so then re-enlisted into the RNAS on 27th January 1917. He became a sea-plane pilot and was posted to RNAS Killingholme initially on 9th April 1917 briefly. He later returned to RNAS Killingholme on 10th September 1917 and was promoted from FSL to F/Lt on 31st December 1917. While technically with RNAS Killingholme he was stationed at RNAS Hornsea-Mere Sub-Station where flying boats were based. On 8th November 1917 he was flying off Scarborough when he spotted a German submarine and released two bombs on to it. After his death he received a Mention in Despatches on 7th June 1918 which appears to have been for his extensive flying from Hornsea Mere.
Paul Robertson was born on 30th April 1891 in London. He married Edna Lilian Maxwell Dalton in Kettering, Northamptonshire in early 1915. As a young man he gained a Master Mariner's certificate and enlisted into the RNAS on 30th October 1915. He undertook pilot training at Chingford and was awarded his Royal Aero Club Aviators' Certificate (Cert.No.2454) on 9th February 1916. Since 1st October 1917 he was the commanding officer at RNAS Hornsea Mere Sub-Station, this appears to have been under overall control of RNAS Killingholme. He later emigrated to New Zealand and died on 4th August 1975. The Albert Medal was abolished in 1949 and was replaced by the George Cross. Paul Robertson's award was then changed to being a George Cross.
