The Airmen's Stories - P/O P D Thompson

Peter Douglas Thompson was born on September 7th 1920. He joined the RAFVR in January 1939 and began elementary flying training at 20 E&RFTS, Gravesend. Called to full-time service at the outbreak of war, Thompson was posted to 5 EFTS, Hanworth. In January 1940 he went to 3 FTS, South Cerney and after completing the course in June he was sent to 6 OTU, Sutton Bridge on September 4th to convert to Hurricanes.

Thompson joined 32 Squadron at Croydon on September 21st but was then posted to 605 Squadron on October 11th. He damaged Me109’s on October 20th, November 1st and November 13th. He shared a damaged Do17 on March 26th 1941.

On April 27th 1941 Thompson was one of twenty-four pilots who flew Hurricanes off HMS 'Ark Royal' to Hal Far, Malta. He joined 261 Squadron and was wounded on May 6th but landed safely. When 261 was disbanded in May he went to the newly-reformed 185 Squadron on the 12th. Thompson shared in destroying a Cant Z1007 on July 25th, destroyed a Mc200 on 26th, shared a SM79 on the 27th, claimed a probable Me109 on December 29th and a probable Ju88 on January 25th 1942.

He returned to the UK in January 1942 and was awarded the DFC (gazetted 30th January 1942). In early 1943 Thompson joined 601 Squadron in the Western Desert, as a Flight Commander, moving with it later to Sicily and Italy. He destroyed two SM79’s in an attack on Ancona airfield on November 3rd 1943.

He returned to the UK in early 1944 and in July took command of 129 Squadron, operating from Ford with Mustangs. He destroyed three V1 flying bombs and damaged two others. Thompson led the squadron until April 1945.

He stayed on in the RAF, retiring on September 7th 1975, as a Wing Commander, retaining the rank of Group Captain.

Thompson is pictured above (left) with his close friend F/O Derek Forde when they both were serving with 605 Squadron. Forde is holding a Hurricane landing light cover pierced by a bullet from a Dornier 17. This is most likely an aircraft from 2/KG2 which they had combined to attack over the Channel on 26th March 1941.

The photo is courtesy of Mrs Mimi Thompson who says that the Thompsons' first child, a daughter, was named Dereka after their friend.

The photo appeared in an issue of the ‘London Illustrated’ with a caption suggesting that Forde has told Thompson to “jolly well pull his finger out !!”