Blenheim L1183 at Catfoss airfield.
On 17th January 1942 the pilot of this aircraft was undertaking a circuit flying exercise, during one of the landings at Catfoss at 09.50hrs he lost control after
an engine lost power the aircraft crashed at 09.50hrs. The aircraft swung on touching down, crashed and caught fire.
Pilot - "P/O R Rose".
Bruce Rose was born on 9th April 1918 in Bondi, New South Wales and enlisted in Point Cook, Victoria. He survived the War and set up a company initially
manufacturing plastic toys and sporting equipment. Because of the War shortages he was approached to make plastic products for the Red Cross under the name
of TUTA. The company is still in existance although Bruce Rose sold it before he died in 1990.
The late Mr Eddie Fell's research into Catfoss incidents suggests that the correct identity of the pilot may have infact been one Bruce Frederick Rose RAAF (AUS270), of Ivanhoe, Victoria. This airman was almost certainly the pilot of Blenheim V5812 on 26th April 1941 who was forced to bale out near Beverley, the aircraft later crashed at Routh. Bruce Rose
sadly lost a leg in striking the propeller in April 1941, so the earlier V5812 incident fits. He later had a false leg fitted and resumed his flying in October 1941, he was awarded
the DFC (in May 1942) and later flew with 248 Squadron and commanded a Beaufighter squadron, 31 (RAAF) Squadron.
Blenheim L1183 was built to contract 527114/36 by The Bristol Aeroplane Co. Ltd. at Filton as a bomber version and was awaiting collection in April 1938. It was initially taken on charge by 104 Squadron at Bassingbourn, then transferred to 90 Squadron at Upwood and was later returned to 104 Squadron, then at Bicester. During the summer of 1939 it was converted to a Mk.1f status. In November 1939 it was taken on charge by 254 Squadron at Stradishall and moved with this unit a number of times; on 9th December 1939 to Sutton Bridge and on 28th January 1940 to Bircham Newton. In March 1940 it was transferred to 235 Squadron at North Coates and on 25th April 1940 it moved with this unit to Bircham Newton. On 26th May 1940 the aircraft was placed into long term MU storage. In early October 1940 it was taken on charge by 2 (C)OTU at Catfoss. As a result of the damage sustained on 17th January 1942 Cat.E2/FA Burnt damage was the assessment following the crash at Catfoss airfield as detailed above.