Keith Truscott
| Keith William Truscott | |
|---|---|
.jpg)
Truscott c. 1941
|
|
| Nickname(s) | "Bluey" |
| Born | 17 May 1916 Prahran, Victoria |
| Died | 28 March 1943 (aged 26) Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia |
| Allegiance |
 Australia
|
| Service/branch |
 Royal Australian Air Force
|
| Years of service | 1940–43 |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Unit | No. 452 Squadron (1941–42) |
| Commands held | No. 76 Squadron (1942–43) |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |
Distinguished Flying Cross & Bar Mentioned in Despatches |
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 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 the climactic Battle of Milne Bay. He was killed in a flying accident off the coast of Western Australia in March 1943, at the age of 26.
Truscott was born in Prahran, Victoria, on 17 May 1916, to William Truscott and Maude Truscott (née Powell). He attended Melbourne High School, where he captained the First XI for the school in cricket. While there, he mentored 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. After completing his schooling Truscott worked as a school teacher and clerk.
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 the September 1940 final. He made a final appearance for them in mid-1942, after his return from service in Europe and before deploying to New Guinea.
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