Image: Members of Robin McNair’s family accept the Brazilian award on behalf of their late father
A decorated RAF pilot and lifelong supporter of unborn children has been honoured by Brazil, drawing tributes from SPUC and Catholic figures as Remembrance Sunday approaches.
Acting Wing Commander Robin John McNair DFC and Bar received a posthumous award of the Order of Aeronautical Merit at a London ceremony on 23 October, Brazilian Air Force Day.
Born in Brazil in 1918, McNair served with the RAF during the Second World War, including the Battle of Britain and the Normandy campaign. He died in 1996.
For the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, the recognition honours a man whose commitment to protecting others extended into civilian life.
His son described SPUC as an organisation “of which my father was an enormous supporter and advocate”.
McNair campaigned against the passage of the 1967 Abortion Act, combining his defence of unborn children with charitable, civic and Catholic educational work.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols welcomed the award as “highly prestigious” and “a cause of real joy”, sending his prayers to Duncan McNair and the wider family.
Bishop Paul Mason, the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Forces, also expressed his delight.
“This truly is a great honour and the significance of such acknowledgement is testament to Robin’s gifts, commitment and his faith,” he said.
McNair’s family recalls a compassionate, devout and modest man who would expose his own position in combat formations to protect less experienced pilots.
His service included command of 247 Squadron, flying Hawker Typhoons during the Normandy campaign. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and a Bar.
After the war, he pursued a career with British European Airways and British Airways, while supporting institutions including St Benedict’s in Ealing, St Augustine’s Priory and Douai school.
Commenting on the award, SPUC CEO John Deighan said;
“As Remembrance Sunday draws near, this well-deserved Brazilian honour for Robin McNair provides an opportunity to remember both his wartime courage and a lifetime of service rooted in faith, compassion and respect for human dignity. SPUC is proud to have been associated with and supported by a man of such conviction and principle.”
