DENNY Russell Charles

Russell was the only son of Charlie and Nellie Denny of “Denton Park”, Pallinup.
As a teenager Russell was friendly with many people in the community. He was a regular helper to other Soldier Settler farmers during harvest, played sport and attended local dances. His parents had erected a tennisn court at their property 'Denton Park' near Martinup, and as the settlement farms were all close, and many young people were welcomed to the Denny home to socialise.
Russell enlisted in the Airforce in WWII, completing his initial training at Pearce and Clontarf, before being transferred to W.A.G.S. at Ballarat, where he trained as an air-craft gunner.
Russell was a diligent and hardworking cadet. Out of his group of trainees, he subsequently achieved second top marks – 1131 out of a possible 1400 – for the entire course.
In Jan 1943, just two weeks short of a year after his initial enlistment date, he embarked at Melbourne en route to the United Kingdom. The ship visited America during the journey. Russell’s letters home describe their sailing into San Francisco Harbour and a subsequent train voyage across the continent to Boston.
Soon after arriving in England, Russell struck up a correspondence with his Grandmother (Charlie’s mother) and several of his cousins. He excitedly wrote home to his parents and sisters (Mavis, Jean, Mary and Grace) about how he was looking forward to meeting them all.

RUSSELL CHARLES DENNY             #1

RUSSELL CHARLES DENNY IN UNIFORM             #2
 

Sadly, this was not to be. After being in England for only a matter of weeks, he tragically lost his life in an aircraft accident.
At the conclusion of a training run, when returning to base near Hooton in England, the plane had spiralled to the ground whilst attempting to avoid a mid-air collision with another aircraft.
His fellow serviceman and best mate, Ted Denton, wrote a very detailed and sad letter to Charlie and Nellie detailing the circumstances of the accident
Russell had sustained serious head injuries and never regained consciousness after the crash.
Russell’s death was to have a profound affect, not only on his immediate family. (Charlie was said to be “never the same” after the death of his only son). His Grandmother in England was heart-broken at being denied a meeting with her grandson and his death was mourned in the close-knit Pallinup community.
Russell is buried at Hooton in the U.K. To this day, descendents of families living in the village during the War years, regularly attend to his grave and place fresh flowers, especially on Anzac Day.
He also has a plaque at the Gnowangerup Cemetery

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