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Flight Lieutenant Dalkin enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force as an air cadet on 8th January, 1940, and was appointed to a commission with the rank of Pilot Officer on the completion of his flying training course on 4th May, 1940. He was posted for flying duties to several units and after completing a Navigation Reconnaissance course he was finally posted on 14th March, 1942, to No. 13 Squadron, Darwin for flying duties.

Upon joining the squadron Flight Lieutenant Dalkin immediately commenced to take part in operational flying against the enemy. His duties constantly involved him in making long flights to seaward and over a period of 10 weeks he flew over 200 hours in operational flights against the enemy. During this period he made 24 sorties, which included 9 strikes, 3 offensive reconnaissances and 12 patrols.

On 20th March, 1942, Flight Lieutenant Dalkin led a flight of 3 aircraft in a dusk attack upon grounded aircraft at Koepang. High level attack was frustrated by unfavourable conditions of cloud, but Flight Lieutenant Dalkin commenced a steep diving attack in the course of which his formation was attacked by three enemy fighter aircraft. Notwithstanding sustained and persistent attacks by the enemy aircraft, and in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire on the ground, he continued his dive to 1200 feet and released his bombs against a group of enemy aircraft on the runway. It was estimated that at least four enemy aircraft were destroyed.

On 30th March, 1942, Flight Lieutenant Dalkin again led a flight of three aircraft in a moonlight attack upon enemy grounded aircraft at Koepang. In the face of concentrated light and medium anti-aircraft fire he dived to 1800 feet to release his bombs which burst amongst a large concentration of enemy aircraft on the runway. It was estimated that as a result of Flight Lieutenant Dalkin's attack at least six enemy aircraft were destroyed. After releasing his bombs he flew on to the enemy flying boat base and machine gunned flying boats which were on the water.

On 3rd April, 1942, he again led a flight of 4 aircraft in a moonlight attack on Koepang. Two of the aircraft made an attack upon shipping whilst Flight Lieutenant Dalkin led the remaining aircraft in an attack upon the aerodrome, diving to 1500 feet before releasing his bombs which were observed to fall almost amongst enemy aircraft lining the runway. In addition to releasing his bombs Flight Lieutenant Dalkin notwithstanding intense anti-aircraft fire, also machine gunned grounded aircraft before leaving the aerodrome. Large fires were started and it was estimated that six enemy aircraft were definitely destroyed and two others probably destroyed.

In the course of his many operational flights, Flight Lieutenant Dalkin has displayed outstanding courage and determination. The excellent results achieved by him have been due to the fact that he has invariably pressed home his attacks from a very low altitude, notwithstanding heavy anti-aircraft fire, and his personal courage and qualities of leadership have proved an inspiring example to the other members of his Squadron.

Unit: No. 13 Squadron, RAAF

Archival Material

National Archives of Australia

Series No.	Control Symbol	Item Title	Digitised Item	Item ID
A12372	R/21919/H	DALKIN Robert Nixon : Service Number - O21919 : Date of Birth - 21/02/1914 : Place of Birth - , ENGLAND : Conflict - WW2		30691394
A12372	R/21919/P	DALKIN Robert Nixon : Service Number - O21919 : Date of Birth - 21/02/1914 : Place of Birth - , ENGLAND : Conflict - WW2		30691395