The Rose Tablecloth

During the Second World War the Rose factory undertook production of a new instrument, not in its factory in Gainsborough but in a new factory in Saxilby. This gave an aircraft navigator an instant record of his position in flight and this was an invaluable assistance to the aircraft involved in the famous “Dambusters Raid”. As a result of the close ties with the RAF, meetings between MOD, RAF and other forces personnel were a regular thing in Gainsborough and all were invited for lunch or tea at “Highfield” house by Mrs. Gertrude Rose, wife of the Gainsborough Industrialist, William Rose. In a move from the traditional type of visitor book, members of the Dambusters team along with other RAF and Navy personnel, billeted at local bases together with Rose family members and local civilian personnel were invited to sign a tablecloth during their visit to the house, which had been set aside for that purpose and which was then painstakingly embroidered.