TRUSCOTT, Keith William
| Service Number: | 400213 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 21 July 1940 |
| Last Rank: | Squadron Leader |
| Last Unit: | No. 76 Squadron (RAAF) |
| Born: | Prahran, Victoria, Australia, 17 May 1916 |
| Home Town: | South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria |
| Schooling: | Melbourne High School |
| Occupation: | School Teacher/Accountant |
| Died: | Flying accident, Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia, Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia, Australia, 28 March 1943, aged 26 years |
| Cemetery: |
Perth War Cemetery and Annex, Western Australia Grave H.A.12. , Perth War Cemetery and Annex, Perth, Western Australia, Australia |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour |
World War 2 Service
| 21 Jul 1940: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Aircraftman, 400213, Melbourne, Victoria | |
|---|---|---|
| 21 Jul 1940: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Squadron Leader, 400213 | |
| 22 Jul 1940: | Involvement 400213, Empire Air Training Scheme | |
| 18 Feb 1941: | Promoted Pilot Officer | |
| 7 May 1941: | Involvement Pilot Officer, 400213, No. 452 Squadron (RAAF), Air War NW Europe 1939-45 | |
| 12 Feb 1942: | Promoted Flying Officer, No. 452 Squadron (RAAF) | |
| 22 Jun 1942: | Involvement Flying Officer, 400213, No. 76 Squadron (RAAF), Air War SW Pacific 1941-45 | |
| 12 Aug 1942: | Promoted Flight Lieutenant, No. 76 Squadron (RAAF) | |
| 1 Oct 1942: | Promoted Squadron Leader, No. 76 Squadron (RAAF) | |
| 28 Mar 1943: | Involvement Squadron Leader, 400213, No. 76 Squadron (RAAF) |
Help us honour Keith William Truscott's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by David Barlow
Squadron Leader Keith William Truscott 400213 DFC + Bar was killed in the loss of Kittyhawk A29-150 in the Bay of Rest, Exmouth Gulf, WA - at the time he was the Commanding Officer of Number 76 Squadron and he has an entry in the book "Aces High" by Christopher Shores
Son of William Edward and Maude Mabel Truscott of South Yarra, Victoria
Biography
"Bluey Truscott became one of Australia's best-known flying aces of the Second World War. Born on 17 May 1916 at Prahran, Melbourne, he proved to be both a good student and keen sportsman, playing Australian Rules for Melbourne's premiership team in 1939.
Already famous as a footballer, Truscott enlisted in the RAAF on 21 July 1940 amidst considerable publicity. Despite his sporting reputation, Truscott was not a natural pilot and almost failed his course. His position as something of a public figure afforded Truscott a chance to continue flying and he eventually earned his wings despite becoming known for his poor landings.
He was sent to Canada under the Empire Air Training Scheme, was commissioned in February 1941, and then ordered to England, where he joined No. 452 Squadron as a foundation member on 5 May. Flying a Spitfire, he scored his first victory in August. Thereafter, his score began a gradual rise. After three months of war flying, he had destroyed at least 11 German aircraft, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and made a flight commander. In January 1942 he was made acting squadron leader before being posted back to Australia in March. Late that month he was awarded a bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross. At that point he was the most well-known pilot in the RAAF..." - READ MORE LINK (www.awm.gov.au)
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