Desmond’s trans
atlantic connections led to him fly a rebuilt de Havilland DH-4, as well as a MiG-17, which he was well qualified to assess against its contemporary, the Meteor.
Desmond continued flying into his late 80s and was often asked to display the Tiger Moth, giving a flowing and elegant display of this classic but cantankerous aeroplane. He had made his first solo in a Tiger Moth on 14 April 1948 and he celebrated the 69th anniversary with 35 minutes of aerobatics and circuits in another Tiger Moth on 14 April 2017. Ever the consummate professional, he decided a year later that it was time to give up flying. His valedictory flight was in a Tiger Moth on 12 Aug 2018: after seven decades, his last solo landing was better than his first.
Desmond’s personal life was touched by tragedy. 
His son died early: Desmond scattered his ashes from an open cockpit in the same spot where he had earlier taken him - as a small boy - for a loop. Both of his daughters also pre-deceased him. He spent his last months in a nursing home, after several falls had robbed him of his mobility and his independence. It was the same home in which his late wife Francine had been cared for, before she passed away some years ago. Desmond always said that he “didn’t want a fuss” when visitors tried to get him out and about.
He was a grand old gentleman, who was genuinely interested in and anxious to help others. It is an over-used phrase, but we will not see his like again.
Desmond Penrose DTech BSc DLC CEng FRAeS FRSA
1st May 1930 - 13th May 2025
This obituary first appeared in the 2025 Newsletter.
