Robert Harold's Story.
Robert was born on 22nd December 1915, in Alsager, and attended Sandbach School. He was the younger son of Howard Rigby (1880 - 1924) and Ursula Alberta nee Alcock (1885 - 1970) and brother to John (Jack), Marion, Nancy Ursula (1917 - 1947), Pamela Mary (1919–1978) and Eve Margaret Rigby. He was stepbrother to Thomas Douglas Rigby (1902–1970) and Vera Rigby (1904–1981), children from his father's first marriage to Ada Augusta Hall (1867–1907). His mother Ursula came from Christchurch in New Zealand. Howard Rigby had a business as a corn and seed merchant in Alsager.
On 4th April 1924, when Robert was eight years old, his father Howard died. (His mother Ursula did not remarry until 1965. When she was aged 80, Ursula A Rigby married Henry Heath.)
Robert with his mother Ursula c 1939.
Robert with his mother Ursula c 1939.
In 1921, the family home was at Hafod, 46 Fields Road, Alsager. In September 1939, Ursula was living at the same address with several of her children. Robert had joined the RAF on a short service commission in March 1939 and carried out his initial training at 10 E&RFTS Yatesbury, moving to 5 FTS Sealand. He joined 236 Squadron at Stradishall on 6th November 1939.
On 18th July 1940, Pilot Officer Robert Rigby and Sergeant Donald Duncan MacKinnon took off from RAF Thorney Island, Emsworth, Hampshire at 11:20 am for a photographic reconnaissance operation over Le Havre. Their aircraft (a Bristol Blenheim L6639) failed to return from the mission. The weather was bad, and intense flak was encountered over Cap de la Hague. However, it is believed the aircraft was shot down by a Me109 around 12.15 near Villerville, Calvados, Normandy, France. Both men died in the crash.
Robert's body was washed ashore at St. Adresse, north of Le Havre port. He is buried in Sainte Marie Cemetery, Le Havre, France. Sergeant McKinnon's body was found at a different location and is buried in a different cemetery.
Robert's name appears on the north face of the Alsager memorial.
Behind the memorial on Sandbach Road South is a bench dedicated to Robert. It was restored in 2018 by the 2493 (Alsager) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadet.
In Loving Memory of Robert H. Rigby, the son of Ursula and the late Mr. Howard Rigby of "Hafod"The Fields, Alsager
Restoration cried out by 2493 (Alsager) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets 23rd September 2018
Compiled by Shena Lewington (July 2026)
Robert's name appears on the north face of the Alsager memorial.
Behind the memorial on Sandbach Road South is a bench dedicated to Robert. It was restored in 2018 by the 2493 (Alsager) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadet.
In Loving Memory of Robert H. Rigby, the son of Ursula and the late Mr. Howard Rigby of "Hafod"The Fields, Alsager
Restoration cried out by 2493 (Alsager) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets 23rd September 2018
Compiled by Shena Lewington (July 2026)