WWII pilot Len was a truly ‘remarkable man’
The last surviving Blenheim bomber pilot of the Second World War has died at the age of 102.
Leonard Trevallion flew with the RAF’s 13 Squadron in north Africa and Italy and was also an inspector with the Metropolitan Police during the Battle of Britain and the Blitz.
Known as Len, Mr Trevallion was born in Walthamstow, London, but spent the latter part of his life in Crieff before then moving to Kinrossshire. He passed away peacefully in his sleep in a Crook of Devon care home on December 29. After enduring frequent bombing from the Germans during the London Blitz, Mr Trevallion decided to volunteer to join the RAF and was subsequently sent to Texas in the USA to train as a pilot.
Within six months he had gained his wings to start flying missions.
After serving in the war, Mr Trevallion returned to work for the Met before moving to Crieff in 2003 to be closer to his two daughters – Ann and Julia.
He outlived his late wife, Evelyn.
The Tayside Air crew Association hosted a dinner party in honour of Mr Trevallion’s 100th birthday at McDiarmid Park in Perth.
Speaking before the celebrations started at the time, Mr Trevallion recalled: “My proudest moment was when I graduated from flying training school in America and was granted my flying wings.” Asked how he felt going into the celebrations, he said: “It’s a great honour after all these years.
“After all, I am just one of the lads who happened to join up.” The Tayside Aircrew Association described Mr Trevallion as a “remarkable” man who was “very well thought of” among members.
Mr Trevallion’s life story is told in his autobiography ‘ Policeman, Pilot and a Guardian’, which was published in 2008.