Percy Alexander Rose (1921–1995)

Percy Alexander Rose was born in Liverpool on 21 July 1921, the sixth child of Herbert Edward Rose and Florence Gertrude Wright. He spent his boyhood around the bustling Liverpool docks and watching ships steam off to far‑flung destinations.

Percy served in the Royal Air Force throughout the Second World War, beginning his service in the early 1940s, training as an aircraftman, eventually holding the tile of LAC (Leading Aircraftman).

He was stationed for several years in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada — a major RAF and RCAF training and transit hub that played a vital role in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. There, Percy undertook essential administrative and logistical duties, supporting the movement and coordination of aircrews and equipment bound for active theatres of war.

Surviving documents from 1942 to 1944 show that he was actively involved in base operations and social events such as Christmas and Boxing Day gatherings for RAF personnel, and also took advantage of arranged days out to explore places like New York City, reflecting the camaraderie and morale-building that sustained servicemen far from home.

In 1946, Percy was posted to Singapore as part of Britain’s post-war reorganisation of the RAF in Southeast Asia, marking his final overseas assignment before demobilisation. His release book records his conduct as exemplary, noting his diligence, reliability, and devotion to duty during more than five years of wartime and post-war service.

Percy married Mona Everitt on 23 February 1952 at St Michaels Church Garston. Together they raised a daughter, Wendy, and a son, William.

During the post‑war nationalisation boom, Percy worked as a an insurance salesman and later as a bus/tram conductor. He enjoyed classical music and was an early admirer of the Beatles when they emerged from the Cavern Club in the early 1960s.

Percy lived through extraordinary technological advances: he listened to news of the Space Race, watched the first human land on the Moon in 1969 and marvelled at the growth of commercial air travel.

He retired in the 1980s and spent his final years gardening, spending time with his family (now including three grandchildren) and travelling around the UK with Mona.

Percy passed away in Runcorn on 14 July 1995, leaving behind a trove of letters and photographs that bring wartime Britain to life.

Key Facts

• Birth: 21 July 1921, Liverpool, England
• Parents: Herbert Edward Rose and Florence Gertrude Wright
• Military service: Aircraftman in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War; served in Canada
• Marriage: Mona Everitt (1952)
• Occupation: Insurance Salesman and later as a Bus/Tram Conductor
• Children: Two
• Death: 14 July 1995, Runcorn