11 Facts About Patrick Coote

Patrick Bernard Coote was a British bobsledder, Irish international rugby union player and Royal Air Force pilot.

Patrick Coote married Muriel Elsmie on the 1 June 1935.

Patrick Coote represented Britain and the RAF and won the bronze medal in the four-man event at the 1931 FIBT World Championships in St Moritz, along with Pilot Officer Dennis Field, Pilot Officer Ralph Wallace and Pilot Officer Jack Newcombe.

In January 1928 Patrick Coote played his first game for the RAF against Cambridge University, he represented the RAF in 1931 and 1932.

Patrick Coote was described as a superb centre, scoring three tries in as many games in December 1931 against Backheath, Birkenhead Park and the Barbarians.

Patrick Coote stayed for 3 months before he could be discharged and never played rugby again.

Patrick Coote joined the Royal Air Force as a flight cadet and passed through RAF Cranwell on 26 July 1930 becoming a Pilot Officer.

Patrick Coote competed for the "Sword of Honour" award at the end of his two-year course, and beat Douglas Bader, his nearest rival.

Patrick Coote went on to become the Wing Commander of Western Wing, British Air Forces Greece.

Patrick Coote died while flying as an observer in a No 211 Squadron Bristol Blenheim; there are conflicting reports of the date as some sources say 13 April 1941 whilst others give it as 19 April 1941.

Patrick Coote is buried at the Phalron War Cemetery in Greece along with the rest of the crew.