| Rank | F/O., Private |
| Service # | J37368, R183193, B79207 |
| Unit # | Irish Regiment, Irish Fusiliers, R.C.A.F. |
Robert was born in Chatham, Ontario on December 30, 1922. Of R. R. # 1 Tilbury, ON. The second son of Next of Kin: Mr. and Mrs. Charles Skipper of “Surlingham Farm”, Tilbury East Twsp., Kent Co., ON. Sister H. Enyd Skipper Forrest of the Public General Hospital Chatham, brothers William, and James. Robert obtained his school education at No. 2 North Tilbury East and Tilbury high school and the Chatham Collegiate Institute. He returned to his father’s farm rather than pursuing an academic education. The brother of FO. Arthur Charles J20679 and and Lieut. Harry who was stationed at Woodstock.
Date of Enlistment: 1940; Place of Enlistment: Toronto, Ontario; Address at Enlistment: R.R. #1 Tilbury, Ontario.
Served in Europe; Married Barbara Birdell Hind on August 25, 1945.
He enlisted in the Irish Regiment at the age of 17. The Merlin Standard 9/01/41 reported that Mr. and Mrs Skipper of “Surlingham Farm” motored to Camp Borden to take Robert back to his regiment, he had been on a holiday. The MS 16/01/41 reported that Robert was spending a two week furlough with his parents. In April of 1941 Robert was serving with the Irish Fusiliers at Camp Bordon, ON. He was on furlough to visit his parents for the Easter season. The Merlin Standard 17/04/41 reported that Robert spent Easter with his parents at their farm in Tilbury East. The MS 23/01/41 reported that Robert had spent New Years with his parents. In February of 1941 Robert was back with his regiment the Irish Fusiliers at Camp Borden who had accompanied him on the trip. MS 27/02/41
In January of 1942 Robert was in the army serving as a signalman with the Irish Regt. of Canada, which he had been attached too for the past two and one half years. At the time he was enroute from Lachine, PQ., to Edmonton, AL., where he would be attending the University of Alberta to take a Pilot Officer course after transferring to active service with the RCAF. TT 14/01/43.
In May of 1943 LAC Skipper of RCAF No.3 Wireless School, Winnipeg, MN., was returning to Tilbury to visit his parents. TT 20/05/43. In late October of 1943 Charles then a WAG (Wireless Air Gunner) was commissioned a Pilot Officer at Paulson, Manitoba on the 15th of October, graduating 2nd in his class thus given the new Service Number of J37368. Skipper was on leave at the time. CDN 26/10/43.
He also made a name for himself as a welterweight boxer winning the Silver Cup trophy in a RAF vs RCAF bout in Winnipeg, MN. TT 28/10/43.
The CDN Aug. 44(P) reported that he went overseas in November of 1943 and was attached to a well-known Canadian bomber squadron. He had a brother William who was a Leading Ships writer and was serving overseas in the RCN.
Reported to be sailing on the troop ship “Duchess of Richmond”, expected to arrive at Quebec City on or about the 19th of August 1945. From there he will proceed to No. 1 Repatriation Depot in Lachine, PQ. To receive his leave. CDN 18/08/45 – 18/08/45.
Reported to be sailing on the troop ship “Duchess of Richmond”, expected to arrive at Quebec City on or about the 19th of August 1945. From there he will proceed to No. 1Repatriation Depot in Lachine, PQ. To receive his leave. CDN 15/08/45
Date of Discharge: 1945
Date of Death: December 30, 2000 at Guelph, Ontario
Robert’s Wife writes: “Joined Irish Regiment of Canada in Toronto as B79207 in 1940. In 1942, transferred to RCAF as R183193 and later, when graduated as Pilot Officer was given the number J37368. Served in Bomber Command from 1942 to 1945. Discharged 1945. Attended the University of Guelph, Dip. Course and BSA degree in 1951. BEd degree in 1952. Taught High School for 28 years, serving as Teacher, Head of Department, Vice-Principal and Superintendent of Education. During retirement – wrote 3 books on his time in the service and occupation.”
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