Tuff, Robert Bruce

Bruce Tuff

409257, Flying Officer

11 July 1922 - 22 Feb 1944

RAF, 11 APC

His mate Ron Patterson of Victoria, himself a Spitfire pilot, wrote about Bruce.

"Bruce and I lived just a few houses apart at Elstanwick, a suburb of Melbourne. Prior to school years we played a lot and we met up again at Cubs and Scouts".

"After we finished school we were both on the course 18 at Victor Harbour thus completing our flying courses and receiving our "wings". Afterwards we sailed on different ships to England and flying in different theaters of war and in different aircraft. I heard on the grapevine that he was flying "Typhoons". We never made contact again. On my return to Australia, in 1944 I visited his parents".

Photo: Here they are together at Victor Harbour in South Australia 26 th July 1941. Ron Patterson on the left and Bruce Tuff on the right. In their uniform of trainee aircraftmen, designated by the white stripe on their caps.

Bruce was a friend since childhood and so being with his friend in the airforce was something special for these two young Australians to serve together in England during the war, so many miles from their home in Australia.

As Ron so simplistically puts it, "Bruce did not return from the war. When his squadron leader ditched in the English Channel. Bruce, who was an extremely strong swimmer, bailed out of his own plane to go to his aid as he knew his commanding officer could not swim. It was an extraordinarily brave act. Neither man was seen again.

The cold waters of the English Channel were to claim many airman from both sides but this simple story so beautifully put by his mate Ron, tells what a wonderful man Bruce Tuff was.

Photo: Bruce Tuff on the left with Ron Patterson in the middle and Free Strickland on the right after playing tennis on the shore-side courts at Victor Harbour.

It is imperative that Bruce Tuff is never forgotten.