It has been a century since a First World War fighter pilot from Harrow shot down a seemingly indestructible aircraft, and the daring act has been honoured in a “moving” remembrance service.

On September 3, 1916, German airships set out to begin a ferocious air raid on London – the single greatest airship raid of the conflict.

While the falling bombs devastated the city, Lieutenant William Leefe Robinson, who lived in Stanmore, took to the skies in his biplane and tailed the gigantic airship, strafing it with machine gun fire.

After two unsuccessful passes, Leefe Robinson concentrated his fire on the airship’s flank, punching a hole in the fuselage with incendiary rounds and turning it into a fireball.

At this moment, Leefe Robinson became the first man to shoot down one of the feared aircraft, simultaneously becoming a national hero and proving to the nation that the enormous ships were far from indestructible.

Leefe Robinson was awarded the Victoria Cross within three days of downing the ship – becoming the first person to be awarded the VC during action by King George V.

In a moving ceremony at All Saints’ Churchon Saturday, hundreds of residents joined dignitaries and councillors to commemorate the centenary of the monumental event.

A special message from the family was read out, and Deputy Lieutenant John Purnell gave a reading on the life of Leefe Robinson.

Prayers were made by Bishop Pete Broadbent, followed by the laying of wreaths at his final resting place in the Wealdstone churchyard.

Mayor of Harrow Cllr Rekha Shah, who offered a prayer, said:

“It’s important that we never forget the bravery and heroic actions of our local hero – Lieutenant William Leefe Robinson VC. His actions quite rightly earned him a Victoria Cross.

“It was certainly a fitting remembrance service, very moving, and I am honoured to have been able to attend. I hope that future generations continue to remember and share his story for years to come.”