Rhoda volunteered to serve with the American Red Cross during the Second World War. After training in America, she came to the UK in May 1943. She worked at a variety of bases in Britain, including Alconbury, running aero clubs. Rhoda’s clubs were hugely popular, and the centre of many men’s non-working lives. They could read, play games, take language classes or go to dances.



Rhoda Robinson volunteered to serve with the American Red Cross during the Second World War and was Director of the GI's Aeroclub, a place where servicemen could relax out of working hours.



Rhoda was appointed as a Staff Assistant with the American Red Cross in February, 1943, and began her initial training in Washington DC then on to New York City before being shipped over to England in a troopship and arriving in May of the same year. Initially she was assigned to Alconbury (Station 102). Within a week of arrival she set to work in establishing Alconbury's Aeroclub in the former NAAFI canteen and pressed personnel who had the talent to decorate the walls of the building with artwork.



Rhoda's Aeroclub became the centre where men could relax and make use of the library, sports, games, table tennis, language classes and other facilities available, including dances and later visits by well known American stars of the stage and screen. In August 1943 she was promoted to Club Director. Highlights of that year were the visit by Nelda Kurtz (better known as Rosie the Riveter) and the children's Christmas Party.



On 10 February 1944, His Majesty King George VI and Queen Elizabeth came to tea. Rhoda was then re-assigned to Rivenhall before being posted to Hardwick (Station 104) in August, 1944. Her last posting was to Headquarters as Supervisor, and later Director of Field Club Operations, located at Prince's Gate. On 15 November 1945 Rhoda sailed home on the Queen Mary, docking in seven days later.