p.202Biography of Keith William Truscott (1916-1943) ('Bluey') concentrating on his service during World War II. Truscott, born at Prahran, Melbourne became one of Australia's best-known flying aces of the Second World War. Already famous as a footballer, playing Australian Rules for Melbourne's premiership team in 1939, Truscott enlisted in the RAAF in 1940 amidst considerable publicity.air pilots - military - biography, truscott keith william 1916-1943

Photo of Bluey Truscott. Squadron Leader Keith William (Bluey) Truscott was regarded as one of Australia’s most well known WW2 fighter pilot aces. He was born on the 17/5/1916 and died over Exmouth, Western Australia on 28/3/1943 in an Aircraft accident whilst on duty. He initially trained under the Commonwealth Empire Training Scheme In Canada at the beginning of WW2, and later on was posted to Number 452 Squadron England where he flew Spitfires over Europe. He was awarded the distinguished Flying Cross in 1941 for his Air action and bravery. In 1942 he was further awarded the DFC Bar for further outstanding Air action and bravery. He returned to Australia and commanded number 76 Squadron who undertook duties in Papua New Guinea, specifically Milne Bay. When with 76 Squadron they largely flew Kittyhawks. There is a club named after SQN LDR Truscott, called the Truscott Club, at Airforce Base Darwin. There is also a decommissioned WW2 Airfield in the Kimberley’s called after him ( Truscott Air Base). Truscott has more recently been called Mungalu-Truscott Air Base as it is now owned by the traditional people of the Wunambal Gaambera. The Airfield is now used for commercial and private flying and is heritage listed under the National Trust of Australia (W.A.) due to its historical significance relating to WW2 and the remaining artefacts that are still in place presently. Bluey Truscott was also a well known Australian Rules Football player prior to WW2 having played for Melbourne. Photograph of Keith William (Bluey) Truscott in uniform.ww2, bluey truscott, flying cross

Gravestone photographs of Keith William "Bluey" TRUSCOTT 400213 Awarded DFC & Bar - Born 17/5/1916 Prahran Victoria WW2 RAAF Squadron Leader and Ace fighter pilot who served in Europe, South West Pacific and Milne Bay. Played for Melbourne Football Club. Died at sea and buried at Karrakatta Cemetery in Perth Western Australia. Three coloured photographs depicting head stones in cemetery400213 Squadron Leader K.W. Truscott DFC & Bar Royal Australian Air Force 28th March 1943 Aged 26 In Loving Memory of our Darling Son His duty nobly done. truscott, raaf, ww2, dfc