The Military Museums

Robert Hyndman

Robert Hyndman learned how to fly after he joined the RCAF in 1940.

Robert Hyndman

Robert Hyndman learned how to fly after he joined the RCAF in 1940.

Robert Hyndman

He served as a flight instructor at Uplands Airport in Ottawa from 1941­43. In July 1943, Hyndman returned to England where he flew Spitfires over the English Channel on combat missions. In between flights, Robert indulged in his other passion which was painting.

As the artist stated of his flying experience during the war, "I was terrified on each of the missions I flew over the English Channel. I was 25. I did not really understand why I was there. I didn't want to die. I wanted to live to get back to my painting." In September 1944, Hyndman's passion for art was rewarded when he was appointed an official war artist.

By the time the war had ended, Robert had flown 125 missions in Spitfires. His flying days ended with the war, but not his painting, as Robert continued to indulge in his other passion ever since. Robert Hyndman passed away in November 2009.


This artwork was created by guest painter, Robert Hyndman, official War Artist during the Second World War

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