The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. J S Rose

James Stanley Rose, of Featherstone, Yorkshire was born on 29th September 1915 in Pontefract, the son of Thomas and Theresa Rose.

He was educated at Kings School in Pontefract.

He joined the RAF in September 1932 as an Aircraft Apprentice and passed out in August 1935 as a Fitter. He later applied for pilot training and was selected.

On 26th October 1939 Rose arrived at 12 Group Pool, Aston Down and after converting to Blenheims he joined 23 Squadron at Wittering on 22nd December 1939.

On 29th August 1940 Rose started his takeoff run in Blenheim K7092 at Wittering. Just at the moment of lift-off his starboard engine failed and the aircraft swung violently and crashed into the Watch Office. Rose and his gunner Sgt. AMcD Dargie were unhurt but AC2 AJ Barnes in the office was killed.

Rose married Edith Betty Heath in December 1940 in Peterborough.

He was killed on 4th March 1941, still serving with 23 Squadron. Blenheim 1f L1553 was shot down while on an intruder sortie.

Sgt. TF Nicholas and Sgt. RA Walker were also lost.

Rose was 25. He is buried in Guines Communal Cemetery, France.