The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. D J North-Bomford

David John North-Bomford was born on 5th January 1913 in Dublin, Ireland, the son of Major John George North-Bomford and Hilda Frances (nee Munn).

Major North-Bomford had served with the Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) before WW1 and had joined the Second Battalion on the outbreak of war, he was wounded in the Gallipoli landings.

In April 1923, when DJ North-Bomford was nine, anti-government gunmen arrived at the family home, 'Ferrans' in Kilcock, County Kildare, and forced him and his parents outside to watch as the house was burned to the ground.

Above: the course photograph at 5 FTS Sealand.

Above images courtesy of Roger Bragger.

He joined the RAF on a short service commission in March 1934. He was posted to 5 FTS Sealand on the 16th and, with his training completed, he joined 111 Squadron at Northolt on 3rd March 1935.

He joined the staff of the Electrical and Wireless School at Cranwell on 27th January 1936 and was posted to Hinaidi, Iraq on 19th December to join 55 Squadron there. On 1st April 1937 he resigned his commission.

North-Bomford joined the RAFVR in January 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot. The 1939 Census recorded him as a flying instructor lodging at Great Nast Hyde House in Hatfield.

Called up on 1st September, he completed his training and was serving with 229 Squadron from early 1940.

He moved to 17 Squadron at Debden on 29th July 1940, was attached briefly to 601 Squadron on 25th/26th August, during which time he flew some sorties, and was then attached to 111 Squadron, also at Debden, on 28th August. He was back with 17 Squadron from 17th September.

North-Bomford was posted away to 7 OTU Hawarden on 17th October 1940 as a flying instructor. Promoted to Warrant Officer on 1st October 1941, his subsequent service is currently undocumented until he was released from the RAF in 1947 at the same rank.

He had married Molly Brereton (nee Moore) on 6th January 1946 in Chelsea.

He took his own life at a family property in Ireland on 28th April 1949.

North-Bomford was buried at All Saints Church of Ireland churchyard, Moyglare, County Kildare.