Captain Desmond Penrose has sadly passed away at the age of 95. Desmond was a proud alumnus of Loughborough and built strong relationships with many colleagues from across the University. His generous character and warm personality shone through at the many Loughborough events he attended.
Desmond spent his career in aviation, only taking a step back in recent years, and was a passionate advocate for STEM subjects.
Desmond’s aviation career
Desmond first took to the skies in 1947. It was during this early training that his promise as a pilot was recognised, culminating in his first solo flight on 14th April 1948. Desmond continued to build on his knowledge and passion by studying Aeronautical Engineering at Loughborough, graduating with honours in 1951. As a student he designed and built a test bed for a Rolls-Royce engine. Desmond Penrose's talent was once again recognised when he became the first graduate from Loughborough to receive a Direct Entry Permanent Commission to the Royal Air Force. Even though he had graduated, Desmond's support and devotion to the University had only just begun.
In a bid to assist the University and the younger generations that would follow in his footsteps, Desmond successfully campaigned to add the Diploma of Loughborough College to the Air Force List of qualifications. Whilst in the RAF, Desmond proved not only to be an accomplished pilot, but a brave one. He became a test pilot when aviation did not benefit from computer-aided design and testing, entering an occupation with a high rate of mortality and very serious injury. An incredible example of his bravery and skill came when he flew a restored 1923 DH53, a task that had seen two other test pilots crash and hospitalised.
After a glowing career with the RAF, which included time as a Jet Instructor, the formation of an aerobatic team, and four years as a test pilot with the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Desmond joined Hawker Siddeley, a group of British manufacturing companies engaged in aircraft production. Desmond was awarded Fellowship of the Royal Aeronautical Society at the comparatively young age of 39. This honour is only considered for those who have provided an outstanding contribution to the profession of aeronautics, with positions of high responsibility, and extensive high quality experience.
Desmond flew over 300 types of aircraft, achieving the 65th anniversary of his first solo flight in a Tiger Moth in April 2013. Desmond maintained aerobatic display authorisation for many years and also worked hard to support the education and learning of other aviation professionals, including personally supporting pilots, authors and ground crew maintenance engineers.
Desmond at the unveiling of Penrose Way in 2022
Desmond’s Loughborough legacy
Desmond consistently showed his support for the University throughout his career. A passionate supporter of STEM subjects, he was very keen to encourage young people into STEM industries, and donated money to the University to support an engineering residential, an outreach activity to inspire young people considering science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects and careers. This particular activity was a two-day residential for 50 young girls to visit campus and immerse themselves in engineering activity. Captain Penrose recognised the challenge of encouraging girls into STEM subjects and wanted to play his part in “the furtherance of women in engineering".
On campus, he has two areas named after him, recognising his generous philanthropy and support. The Desmond Penrose Atrium in the Stewart Miller building, home to a Hawk 200 Aircraft, was named after the alumnus and opened in 2012. More recently Desmond visited campus in 2022 for the opening of Penrose Way, a road opposite the Stewart Miller building.
Captain Desmond Penrose was awarded an honorary Doctor of Technology degree from the University in 2015 in recognition of his exemplary career in aviation.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time. Captain Penrose’s passion for and impact on the University and beyond will not be forgotten.