Page 105 - Sylvia Malt - Side by Side

MINNIE ROSE PROSSER, Aircraftwoman, 2nd class WAAF
1919 - October 1943

Minnie Rose Prosser was the daughter of former Navy regular Walter Benjiman and his
wife, Ethel. She was single and lived with her parents in Palm Avenue, Foots Cray.

Even though she didn't enjoy very good health, Minnie Rose decided to make a
contribution to the war effort by joining the Women's Auxiliary Air Force and was stationed
with No. 51 Operational Training Unit at RAF Cranfield in Bedfordshire. The Unit was
originally formed to train night fighter crews and in early 1943 began training United States
of America Air Force crews for night operations.

The arrival of such sophisticated young and handsome men would have had a huge impact
on a young girl from Foots Cray and Minnie Rose would have been the envy of all her
friends. The Americans brought some glamour to the drab world of England's young
people. They brought their brash music and could afford such luxuries as nylons with
which to impress their English girlfriends. After the war, many GI brides went with their
husbands to America to start a new life.

Unfortunately, Minnie Rose was a diabetic. Treatment back in the 1940's was still very basic
but it was absolutely essential to undertake daily tests for urine sugar levels, but the
equipment was then very rudimentary - just a simple test tube and alcohol lamp. Many of
the tools that are available to diabetics today had scarcely been thought of back in 1943.

At the end of October 1943, Minnie Rose came home to her parents to spend her few days
leave. Unfortunately, her health took a turn for the worse and she suddenly went into a
diabetic coma. She was rushed to Queen Mary's Hospital in Sidcup but despite the best
efforts of the dedicated staff, Minnie Rose failed to respond to treatment and she died the
next day.

In Memoriam: Minnie Rose funeral was held in St. James' Church and she is buried in
their graveyard.

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