Inquest: Former pilot (85) lay dead for three weeks
Friday 29th January 2010, 2:58PM GMT.
John Bruce trained recruits to fly the Hawker Hurricane
A SECOND World War pilot died alone in his St Helier flat and lay undiscovered for up to three weeks, an inquest has heard.
During his working life John Bruce was a highly respected fighter pilot who trained RAF recruits and became one of the first Islanders to fly for the now defunct Jersey Airlines.
But an inquest heard yesterday how the father of three lay dead in his flat in roussel Street for up to three weeks over Christmas without anyone noticing or any family member raising the alarm.
The 85-year-old was only discovered when two neighbours contacted police to report a strong smell coming from the flat. When officers arrived at the property, they found Mr Bruce lying face down by the side of his bed.
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How sad. R.I.P.
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I agree that is such a shame. RIP Mr Bruce.
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how sad that, a war hero should end his days like this, shocking.
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What a crying shame that we can let this happen. This man was a true hero in an era when men and women had a real sense of duty, pride in their country and non whinging attitudes. He has been forgotten by those who can never appreciate his sacrifices.
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How dreadful and so terribly sad.Over Christmas especially one would expect some contact from friends,family or neighbour. May he rest in peace.
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Such a sad story. No one should be left alone for so long.
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Thus passes the glory of the world.
RIP Mr Bruce.
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Care in our community!From where?.
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How could this happen.? A war HERO.why did no one call around to check on him.SHAME,Where were the family.I hope he left his estate to an animal charity.R I P.OLD BOY.
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My Prayers are with John Bruce (R.A.F) and His Generation for their Selfless Sacrifices to the Cause of Freedom and Decency for all Mankind. May he Rest in Peace.
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Doesn’t a veteran deserve to die with a little more dignity than that?
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How can this happen to a elderly man and a hero how can family friends and neighbours have no contact for such a period of time especially over the christmas period -
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a very sad reflection on our society?
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I would call upon everyone who has an elderly neighbour living nearby to check upon that person to make sure vthat he/she is alright, maybe offer to collect any shopping or even a newspaper as a means of contact. The offer of a cup if tea now and again is another way of helping out out our aged citizens, we all get old and infirm eventually, this very sad case is a wake up call to most peoples complacenty, not all people have the devotion of their relatives as Tery Le Mians mum.
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