Blenheim V5812 near Routh, Beverley.
On 26th April 1941 the trainee pilot of this 2 (C)OTU aircraft was undertaking a local flying practice which was also to a involve single engine flying exercise. Being an
experienced pilot of other aircraft he attempted aerobatics but during a loop he tried to carry out a half roll off the top part of the loop but the aircraft stalled
and went into a spin. Having lost control and having had no instruction on how to recover this type of aircraft he baled out and the aircraft crashed near
Routh, Beverley at 15.00hrs. No disiplinary action was taken against the pilot as he was an experienced pilot but the unit was told to instruct trainee inexperienced
pilots not to perform aerobatics until receiving the appropriate training. The pilot is known to have lost a leg as a result of baling out of an aircraft around this
date and after the fitting of a false leg he resumed his flying.
Blenheim V5812 was built to contract 1485/39 by Rootes Securities at Blythe Bridge and was awaiting collection in January 1941. It was taken on charge by 2 (C)OTU at Catfoss the following month and as a result of the damage on 26th Aprl 1941 it was written off with Cat.E2/FA damage recorded.
Pilot - F/Lt Bruce Frederick Rose RAAF (AUS270),
This officer has proved himself to be a brave and skilful pilot. Following a flying accident, which necessitated the amputation of his left leg below the knee, he resumed
operational flying after being fitted with an artificial limb. Since October, 1941, he has taken part in sorties wherein a wide variety of targets have been attacked. During the
operations on Vaagso, he shot down a Heinkel in which attempted to attack our shipping. One day in April, 1942, he skilfully drove off a Junkers 88 which was attacking a
ship and the next day he destroyed a Heinkel 115. This officer's leadership, skill and outstanding devotion to duty have proved an inspiration."
He flew with 248 Squadron in the UK before posting to 30 (RAAF) Squadron in Australia. He later commanded 31 (RAAF) Squadron in 1942 and 5 OTU
before leaving the RAAF in 1946. In civilian life he began a company making plastic toys and sporting equipment but switched his line of buisness
to manufacturing plastic equipment for blood collection in blood transfusions.
Bruce Rose was born on 9th April 1918 in Bondi, New South Wales and was flying in the RAAF before the outbreak of WW2. He was possibly involved in a
second mishap in Yorkshire when, on 17th January 1942, a pilot with the name of "Rose" was training at Catfoss and crashed onto the airfield, this incident
is detailed in the January 1942 section of this website. Bruce Rose was awarded the DFC on 1st May 1942. The citation in the London Gazette on that date reads..