48-861: Keith William " Bluey " Truscott , DFC & Bar (17 May 1916 – 28 March 1943) was a World War II ace fighter pilot and Australian rules footballer with the Melbourne Football Club . After joining the Royal Australian Air Force in 1940, he became the second-highest-scoring Australian World War II ace, credited with 20 confirmed victories and 5 unconfirmed victories. After completing flying training in Canada, Truscott served in Britain flying Spitfire fighters. He returned to Australia in early 1942 and served in New Guinea , where he fought during
96-536: A Destroyer (during the Channel Dash ) as well as a German Heinkel He 114 ." The destroyer Truscott attacked was most likely the Z7 Hermann Schoemann , which was the only destroyer that reported being strafed by 20mm aerial cannon fire on that day. It is believed that this sortie was the first time a fighter squadron had attacked and damaged a warship without assistance. One of Truscott's more unusual sorties
144-635: A Class of 52 and passing with Distinction. Truscott joined No. 452 Squadron flying a RAF Supermarine Spitfire in England on 5 May 1941. Truscott formed a strong and binding friendship with another fighter ace, Wing Commander Paddy Finucane . They formed, according to Ivan Southall , the toughest, ice-cold fighter partnership in the RAF, contributing to what was the highest scoring unit in Fighter Command. By this stage Truscott was, along with Clive Caldwell , one of
192-627: A German pilot shooting at a parachuting RAF pilot and vowed to return the favour. Truscott destroyed at least 16 Luftwaffe Messerschmitt Bf 109s , was twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (invested to him by King George VI ), and was promoted to acting squadron leader in January 1942. Citations for Truscott's DFCs refer to "great courage and determination" and that he had shown "fine fighting spirit; destroyed 11, probable destroyed 3, damaged 2 hostile aircraft, attacked and damaged
240-575: A RAAF training exercise with the US Navy off Exmouth, Western Australia . It had earlier been agreed that the RAAF would launch surprise feint attacks on any US Catalinas they came across along the coast. At Truscott's request, the US agreed to keep their Catalinas well off the water during the exercise. Two days later, Truscott and his wingman, Pilot Officer Ian Loudon (later promoted to squadron leader, and awarded
288-456: A beer after work one Friday night. Bisset later recalled that he and Truscott were thinking deeply about the war and that people were giving up everything to participate; they had an intense patriotic feeling towards Britain and decided that it was up to them to not to wait for the enemy to come but rather to fight where they had a better chance of winning, "and so that's what we did". In 1940, Truscott undertook his Initial Training Course, passing
336-863: A boy, appears as a character briefly in the film Smithy (1946). Truscott joined Squadron in May after period training in Australia and Canada. Has participated in may operational sorties against enemy and has displayed great courage and determination. Has destroyed at least six enemy aircraft. Skillful courageous fighter pilot since May 1941 participated large number sorties and convoy escorts. Throughout shown fine fighting spirit. Destroyed eleven, probably destroyed three, damaged two hostile aircraft. In February 1942 Truscott participated in attack on destroyer which left damaged condition black smoke issuing behind bridge. Next day assisted destruction German floatplane. I commend No.76 Squadron for its excellent work in
384-442: A cheque for £1,000 to share with Paddy Finucane. The money was subsequently not accepted due to King's Regulations prohibiting such gifts. Truscott worked as a teacher before becoming a clerk at Vestey Group business W. Angliss & Co., where he had also secured a job for his old friend from Melbourne High School Old Boys Association and Lord Somers Camp , Stan Bisset . Bisset and Truscott both agreed to enlist while sharing
432-494: A goal in the third quarter, "Truscott reached his greatest heights" and Melbourne went on to win the match. In the 1940 semi-final against Richmond, The Sporting Globe noted that "at half-time Melbourne replaced Norm Smith with Truscott . . . who immediately came into the play, dashingly gathering the ball round the wing and on the angle popping it through for Melbourne’s seventh goal" a match they won by three points. After being recalled from Britain and before his deployment to
480-400: A series of engagement and one of those pilots managed to bale out. Truscott then shot at the parachutist as he descended. On the squadron's return to RAF Kenley , Truscott's close friend and crew member Clive 'Bardie' Wawn DFC called him "a bastard, [for] shooting at that Jerry". Truscott's reply to Wawn was pragmatic: "He might have gone up tomorrow and shot you down". Truscott had earlier seen
528-610: Is straight and decorated with laurel wreaths. The ribbon bar denoting a further award is silver, with the Royal Air Force eagle in its centre. Bars awarded during World War II have the year of award engraved on the reverse. The 1.25-inch (32 mm) ribbon was originally white with deep purple broad horizontal stripes, but it was changed in 1919 to the current white with purple broad diagonal stripes. From 1918 to 2017 approximately 22,322 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 1,737 bars have been awarded. The figures to 1979 are laid out in
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#1732902603729576-657: The Korean War , and one cross to the US Marine Corps during the Iraq War . Lord Somers Camp Lord Somers Camp , or "Big Camp", is an annual week-long camp for boys and girls held in Somers , Victoria , Australia . Founded in Anglesea , Victoria , in 1929 by The 6th Baron Somers , the then Governor of Victoria , the camp has been running continuously since 1929, excluding
624-589: The North-Western Area Campaign , Truscott made one final appearance in 1942. Anticipating Truscott's return, the Melbourne Football Club delayed the traditional unfurling of their Premiership flag at the start of the season for the match. Truscott was made Captain for the game against Richmond and wore No.1 on his jumper instead of his usual No.5. Prior to the match, John Wren , one of the country's most notorious racketeers, gifted Truscott with
672-513: The Second World War years of 1941-1946 when the site was occupied by the RAAF . The 2021 camps have both been postponed due to COVID-19 . There are two camps, one for young men and one for young women, typically taking place in the 2nd and 3rd week of January each year. The original camp was set up in 1929 by the then Governor of Victoria , Lord Somers . Somers aimed to duplicate the success of
720-420: The best and fairest player is named in his honour: the "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy . At Melbourne High School, a scholarship is awarded in his name to a student displaying all-round achievement in academic, sporting, and extra-curricular activities. For reasons unknown, it was discontinued, apparently in 1948. In 1994, John Miller, winner of the 1946/47 Bluey Truscott Scholarship, Principal Ray Willis, and
768-515: The 1940 Grand Final in September. Melbourne Coach Frank 'Checker' Hughes wrote how Melbourne's forward line included "that red-headed bullet, 'Bluey' Truscott". Truscott starred in Melbourne's 1939 Grand Final victory against Collingwood in front of 78,000 people. The Argus reported that Melbourne was down in the first quarter "and only a gallant effort by Truscott redeemed Melbourne"; after kicking
816-459: The Catalina was actually in a slow descent preparing to land on the water. With the sun shining in their eyes, it was not until 800 yards (730 m) prior to contact that Loudon realised their true altitude. Loudon radioed Truscott but it was too late; Truscott's P-40E Kittyhawk clipped the water at a flat angle, he immediately pulled-up the aircraft but it stalled at 200 feet (60 m) and fell into
864-455: The DFC), sighted PBY Catalina 101-P-1 from Fleet Air Wing 10 in the distance. The conditions of the day were highly unusual: the water was mirror-like creating a false horizon. The Australian echelon prepared for a beam attack at what Loudon thought was a height well over 200 feet (60 m). Due to the weather conditions and distance from the Catalina, Loudon and Truscott were not able to discern that
912-652: The English to parachute in a replacement leg. Truscott was promoted to Commanding Officer in June 1942 before being posted back to the RAAF in Australia after the Bombing of Darwin , and he joined No. 76 Squadron , flying Kittyhawks . It was RAAF policy that all pilots returning from campaigns abroad must relinquish their ranks. However, political interference saw Truscott retain his rank (and pay) upon his posting to No. 76 Squadron. That placed Truscott in what his Commanding Officer wrote
960-914: The MHSOBA re-established the Bluey Truscott Scholarship. Miller provided the Bluey Truscott bronze plaque (hanging in the school foyer) and the "John Miller Distinguished Achievement Medal" to be awarded to all subsequent MHSOBA Bluey Truscott winners. The Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd invoked the story of Truscott in his Battle for Australia Commemorative Committee Speech 2008. Truscott Street in Thornton , Truscott Street in North Ryde , and Truscott Street in Geelong are also named in his honour. Truscott, as
1008-482: The Mess Hut (dining hall). In order to provide a meeting and social outlet for the camp's participants, a clubhouse located at Albert Park Lake in Melbourne was built in 1932. Called "Power House", the activities expanded into sporting clubs, including rowing , rugby , athletics , hockey , and Australian rules football . Whilst the clubs were originally set up solely for the use of Lord Somers Camp members, gradually
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#17329026037291056-473: The Milne Bay operations. The 110 sorties carried out by your Squadron in a period of eight days were carried out under very difficult conditions. Even though you were forced to operate from unfinished landing strips and during adverse weather conditions, the organisation successfully carried out these fighter attacks on enemy forces. I am also cognisant of the fact that these operations were completed in
1104-432: The RAAF journal Wings stated that when out-climbed by Japanese Zeros in early night dog-fights, Truscott would turn on the navigation lights of his Kittyhawk to attract Japanese fire, giving him a chance to shoot back. One night in January 1943, Truscott intercepted three bombers head-on over Darwin and, with just one gun operating effectively, shot down a Betty Mitsubishi G4M . Truscott was killed on 28 March 1943, during
1152-568: The RAF as pilots-cum- artillery observers . Posthumous awards were permitted from 1979. Since the 1993 review of the honours system as part of the drive to remove distinctions of rank in bravery awards, all ranks of all arms of the Armed Forces have been eligible, and the Distinguished Flying Medal , which had until then been awarded to other ranks , was discontinued. While remaining a reward for "flying in active operations against
1200-640: The RAF in World War I. For World War II, 4,018 DFCs with 213 first bars and six second bars were earned by members of the Royal Canadian Air Force , with a further 247 crosses and 34 first bars to Canadians serving with the RAF. From 1918 to 1972 the DFC was awarded to 2,391 Australians, along with 144 first Bars and five second Bars. Over 1,000 DFCs were awarded to New Zealanders during the World War II, with
1248-507: The Spitfire eventually ran out of fuel over the English Channel . Truscott attempted to bale at 4,000 feet but was caught in his cockpit; he broke free only 400 feet above the sea with his chute opening moments before he hit the water. The ethics of attacks on parachutists was strongly debated during the war. In October 1941, Truscott destroyed two Messerschmitts over occupied France during
1296-400: The award of each bar. Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "DFC". The decoration, designed by Edward Carter Preston , is a cross flory , 2.125 inches (54.0 mm) wide. The horizontal and bottom bars are terminated with bumps, the upper bar with a rose. The decoration's face features aeroplane propellers, superimposed on the vertical arms of the cross, and wings on
1344-600: The climactic Battle of Milne Bay . He was killed in a joint Australian–US training exercise off the coast of Western Australia in March 1943, aged 26. Truscott was born in South Yarra, Victoria , on 17 May 1916, to William Truscott and Maude Truscott (née Powell). He attended Melbourne High School , where he captained the First XI in cricket and First XVIII in football as well as being a prefect and house captain. While there, he mentored
1392-412: The clubs forged their own identity and separated into their own legal entities due to public liability insurances issues in the 1980s. Today, they operate completely independently. The camps are operated and staffed completely by volunteers who even have to pay for privilege and give up a week of their holidays. The exact program has been adjusted in line with community expectations and social changes over
1440-582: The enemy in the air, not to the standard required to receive the Victoria Cross or the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross . Apart from honorary awards to those serving with allied forces, all awards of the DFC are announced in the London Gazette . A bar is added to the ribbon for holders of the DFC who received a further award, with a silver rosette worn on the ribbon when worn alone to denote
1488-532: The enemy", the requirement was changed from "valour, courage or devotion to duty" to "exemplary gallantry". The DFC had also been awarded by Commonwealth countries but by the 1990s most, including Canada , Australia and New Zealand , had established their own honours systems and no longer recommended British honours. The DFC now serves as the third-level award for all ranks of the British Armed Forces for exemplary gallantry in active operations against
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1536-694: The enemy". The award was established on 3 June 1918, shortly after the formation of the Royal Air Force (RAF), with the Royal Warrant published on 5 December 1919. It was originally awarded to RAF commissioned and warrant officers , including officers in Commonwealth and allied forces. In March 1941 eligibility was extended to Naval Officers of the Fleet Air Arm , and in November 1942 to Army officers, including Royal Artillery officers serving on attachment to
1584-569: The face of the enemy, who had penetrated as far as one of your landing strips and to within a short distance of the other. The courage and determination displayed by the members of your Squadron contributed materially to the defeat and to the eventual withdrawal of the Japanese from this area. 16 October 1942, George Kenney , Major General, Commander NB: Squadron records from Milne Bay indicate 220 sorties were flown comprising 340 flying hours, of which Truscott flew 60 hours. Truscott's war service
1632-420: The horizontal arms. In the centre is a laurel wreath around the RAF monogram, surmounted by a heraldic Imperial Crown . The reverse is plain, except for a central roundel bearing the reigning monarch's cypher and the date '1918'. Originally awarded unnamed, from 1939 the year of issue was engraved on the reverse lower limb of cross, and since 1984 it has been awarded named to the recipient. The suspender
1680-573: The hugely popular Duke of York Camps which were held in the United Kingdom . The first and second camps were held at Anglesea, Victoria , with the assistance of the Anglesea Scouts . The camp moved then relocated to a purpose-built site, designed by Stephenson and Meldrum in Somers in 1931. Only two of the original buildings still stand today, including the Executive Hut (staff quarters) and
1728-476: The most famous RAAF pilots. While in England, his fame was such that he was used as fundraising icon, with the Marquess of Donegall exhorting his countrymen with red hair to donate money to buy a Spitfire in which Truscott, who was nicknamed "Bluey" because of his red hair, would fly. In 1941, after destroying several Messerschmitts, Truscott's Spitfire had its tail shot off and fuel tanks ruptured. Returning to base,
1776-585: The most recent awards for service in Vietnam. In 1999 the DFC was replaced by the New Zealand Gallantry Decoration . A total of 1,022 honorary awards have been made to members of allied foreign forces. This comprises 46 crosses and one bar for World War I and 927, along with 34 first and three second bars, for World War II. Eight crosses and two bars were awarded to members of the US Air Force for
1824-555: The sea, killing Truscott instantly. His body was recovered and he was buried with military honours at Karrakatta Cemetery , Perth . Truscott's life and service were honoured in a number of ways. The RAAF later named a base on the northern coast of the Kimberley region as Truscott Airfield . Truscott's Spitfire Mark V, P7973 "R-H" is on permanent display at the Australian War Memorial . The Melbourne Football Club's award for
1872-748: The table below, the dates reflecting the relevant entries in the London Gazette: In addition, between 1980 and 2017 approximately 80 DFCs have been earned, including awards for the Falklands and the wars in the Gulf , Iraq and Afghanistan . Additionally, two second-award, and one third-award bars have been awarded. The above figures include awards to the Dominions : In all, 4,460 DFCs have gone to Canadians, including 256 first bars and six second bars. Of these, 193 crosses and nine first bars were for service with
1920-546: The two-month course in one month with Distinction before moving on to No. 3 Elementary Flying Training School RAAF . Truscott was instructed by Pilot Officer Roy Goon who instructed over 800 pilots in his career, and also served as Squadron Leader of No. 83 Squadron . Truscott was awarded his Wings after completing flight training in Canada under the Australia and the Empire Air Training Scheme graduating 8th from
1968-473: The years. In 1986, a female equivalent of the Camp, Lady Somers Camp commenced and has arguably been more successful. It typically follows the boys' camp in January each year. Other programs followed, including Diversity (for the intellectuality and physically challenged), VSK (Very Special Kids), and more recently Mirabel. Again, all managed and operated by LSC&PH volunteers. The township of East Balnarring
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2016-408: The young Keith Miller , who entered the First XI at the age of 14 and went on to be regarded as Australia's finest all-round cricketer; both students were taught Mathematics by Test cricketer Bill Woodfull and coached football by Ralph Empey . Truscott enlisted at the age of 24, a day after his team Melbourne defeated Richmond and with five rounds of football remaining for the year. Melbourne
2064-490: Was "Leg Operation", which involved his squadron escorting a Bristol Blenheim to parachute a prosthetic leg into a Saint-Omer hospital where Douglas Bader was being held by the Germans. Bader had lost both legs in 1931 after crashing his plane in an air-show. However, as a fighter ace with some 22 aerial victories, he was well regarded by the Germans, who with the consent of Hermann Göring , agreed to Bader's request to allow
2112-464: Was "an invidious position", and the matter was formally escalated with Group Command. The loss of Squadron Leader Peter Turnbull inadvertently resolved the matter as Truscott was promoted as Turnbull's replacement in January 1943. However, the Minister for Air was publicly forced to review the policy, resulting in a landmark case that saw all pilots able to retain their original ranks. Truscott's squadron
2160-546: Was a favourite to win the 1940 premiership ; Jack Dyer stated that this was "the best side Melbourne ever had. They won three Premierships on end and but for the war years they would have shattered Collingwood's record by winning six on end." Consequently, Truscott joining the war effort created significant publicity. Truscott played 44 games (and kicked 31 goals) of VFL football as a half-forward flanker from 1937 to 1940, playing in Melbourne's 1939 and 1940 premiership victories, taking leave from military duties to play in
2208-572: Was acknowledged by the following medals: Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom) 1918-1919: horizontal alternate white and purple stripes The Distinguished Flying Cross ( DFC ) is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers, and since 1993 to other ranks, of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and other services , and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against
2256-702: Was posted to Gurney Field in Milne Bay , Papua , and played what was described as "the decisive factor" in winning the Battle of Milne Bay . During the battle, Nos. 75 and 76 Squadrons fired 196,000 rounds and wore out 300 gun barrels against ground targets, raking the palm trees at low-levels for snipers. With Japanese troops less than five kilometres from the airstrip, Truscott's pilots were ordered to evacuate to Port Moresby to protect their assets. However, Truscott refused his orders, mindful of how his Ground Crew would feel being left behind after all officers had evacuated. Truscott
2304-544: Was subsequently Mentioned in Dispatches for his distinguished service in the battle. An official report notes that Truscott was "literally adored by the Pilots and Ground Crew. His devil-may-care swagger, fiery red mop of hair on which a Melbourne Cricket Club cap was usually perched, and infectious smile just couldn't fail to inspire confidence in others." No. 76 Squadron was later transferred to Darwin, Northern Territory , and
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