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Mr Tom Robinson

07 April 2015

Thomas John William Robinson

Resident of The Royal Star & Garter Homes, 2011-2015

Tom Robinson joined the Army in 1939, when he was 20 years old. Serving with the Royal West Kent Regiment, his extensive tours of duty encompassed action in Dunkirk, El Alamein, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq. By 1944, Tom had been promoted to Corporal and was posted to Italy. Tom took part in the Battle of Monte Cassino, where he was badly wounded. The extent of his injuries meant that Tom had to have his left leg amputated.

On his return to England, Tom began the long process of recovery at Queen Mary’s Hospital, Roehampton. He was fitted with an artificial limb and, showing his characteristic determination, learned to walk again. Tom was offered a job at Roehampton, making limbs for others, and continued to do so for 40 years until his retirement. Tom continued to wear an artificial limb that he had made himself throughout his lifetime.

Tom recalled his experiences working at Roehampton:

“Having lost a knee, I made that my speciality. There were many limbless employees there and we used to experiment on one another with our ideas and models. We felt we were doing something worthwhile for those whose lives could be transformed in this way – as mine had.”

Tom was a much loved resident of The Royal Star & Garter Homes from 2011-2015.  He generously allowed the Charity to share his remarkable story, helping to raise vital funds for disabled ex-Service men and women. He will be greatly missed by everyone at The Royal Star & Garter Homes.