Sqn Ldr N E Rose

[Nato 35]

Not the best known RAF Pilot and a very humble man.



Formby RAF hero was a fine role model May 29 2008


FORMBY lost a record-breaking test pilot and war hero recently, with the passing of Squadron Leader Norman Rose.

He joined the RAF aged just 17 and was quickly tested in the heat of battle. Norman flew rocket armed Hurricanes over Italy, where the allies were fighting the Nazi war machine.

During the cold war years Norman became a test pilot, an occupation associated with great personal danger. It was during this period when he developed a love affair with the RAF Bristol Britannia, which he was to pilot for 19 years.

In 1979 Norman was posted to RAF Woodvale in Formby, where he would use a lifetime’s experience to teach the next generation of pilots. For the next 10 years he taught Air Training Corp Cadets to fly Chipmunks. On May 29 1989 he landed an RAF plane for the last time.

In January 1999 the Duke of Edinburgh presented Norman with a Master Air Pilot Certificate, in recognition of his extraordinary career. He length of service as a RAF pilot had already placed him in the Guinness Book of Records, and he was decorated with an AFC with BAR at Buckingham Palace.

By the way, if you can get hold of his book 'Born To Fly', an interesting read.

35:(

[Random Bloke]

As a young holding officer in the late 80s I had the pleasure to work with Sqn Ldr Rose (or Flt Lt RAFVR(T)) as he then was. He was a real gent and always found the time to give advice and encouragement - often with a laconic wit. He always told us holding officers that he had enjoyed every minute of his lengthy RAF career and I understand that when he finally retired he had flown in the RAF for 47 years.

Sir, it was a pleasure and a privilege.

[Ivor Fynn]

It was very sad to hear of Norman's passing a couple of weeks ago. He flew me on my first flight as an air cadet - many years ago. A legend in his own lifetime.

RIP

Ivor:(:(:(

[Warmtoast]

Perhaps someone with more direct knowledge can recount the Gan Britannia triple engine failure stoty

The event was not I think a "triple engine failure", but a major failure of No 4 engine, with a prop that couldn't be feathered. This event took place on 16th December 1962 (Britannia XM519) whilst en-route from Aden to Gan with 3 pax and a load of Sea Slug missiles.
Having passed the PNR and having descended from 17,500ft to 1,500 ft and flying at 120 knots to save the engine from disintegrating, Norman declared a full emergency and he and his crew nursed the aircraft towards Gan. 315 miles out the resident Gan SAR Shackleton met the incoming Britannia and escorted it into Gan for a safe landing. For this in the June 1963 Birthday Honours List Norman was awarded a Bar to his Air Force Cross, whilst his Flight Engineer Master Engineer Bob Anstee received the Air Force Cross to add to his Air Force Medal.

[ARCHIE1]

21 Oct 68. Britannia C Mk1 XM498. Lyneham local training. Captain Sqn Ldr N Rose. Nav ARCHIE1!

I think he was on the examining unit at that time. Never flew with him again but met him occasionally thereafter. A gentleman.

[GGR]

Norman came to RAF Upavon in 1972 to carry out a ground tour in Air Support Command Operations Control, ASCOC. he, like most aircrew arriving to a 2 year desk job, was not too happy about this. That said Norman took to his job as Ops Controller with a passion and soon was managing to smile and relate his endless fascinating flying stories including the Britannia incident (overspeed prop), and of course his well deserved decoration.Night shifts with Norman were invariably good fun. I recall he had a wilkinson varaflame cigarette lighter, which he used a lot!!, engraved with the words Dart Herald, more fascinating tales ensued regarding this. He always took part in social events with us lower ranks and indeed, even at work addressed all by their first name. He was much loved by all in ASCOC, especially the girls as he always managed a smile and wink for the pretty ones! There were one or two I recall. Upavon being HQ Air Support Command/46Group etc had only 200 blokes and 600 WAAFs! This made the lack of aeroplanes more bearable. I think Norman escaped back to Brize Norton and a short tour on the VC10 before arriving at Formby. A remarkable man it has been a privilege to have known.
GGR

[Duncan D'Sorderlee]

I met Norman on a few occasions at RAF Woodvale. One of the good guys is no longer with us.

RIP

Duncs

[con84t]

Norman was my Great Uncle (my Grandmothers brother) and I remember back in the the early 80's going to his house in Formby when he was stationed at Woodvale. He was very proud to show me into his study where he had a massive collection of model aeroplanes ranging in size from a couple of feet to no bigger than the palm of your hand. There must have been over 40 different models. He proudly told me that he made a model of every aircraft that he had ever flown except one (sorry I can't remember what it was) which he spent many years looking for it but had been unable to find.

Although I only met him a few times in my life, I remember him very fondly.