The Airmen's Stories - F/Lt. T P Pugh

Thomas Patrick Pugh of Farnborough, Hampshire was born in 1917 at Aldershot, the son of Thomas Garnet Pugh and Agnes Mary Pugh (nee Conolly).

He was educated at the Salesian College, Farnborough. Pugh joined the RAF on a short service commission in July 1937.

He was posted to 11 FTS Wittering on 18th September and after completing his training he joined 103 Squadron at Usworth in late 1937 or early 1938.

Pugh went to France in September 1939, 103 Squadron being part of the BEF.

Just before the Battle of France Pugh had an accident which involved his hand getting trapped in a car door, he was grounded and returned to the UK and did not fly operationally.

Above: with 103 Squadron L to R: P/O AL Vipan, P/O P Shaughnessy, S/Ldr. J Coverdale (CO), Pugh.

Above L to R: F/Lt. DAC Crooks DFC, S/Ldr. J Munro, Pugh

In early July 1940 Pugh was serving with 263 Squadron at Grangemouth. It was equipped with the new Whirlwind twin-engined fighter in November 1940.

He commanded the squadron from August 1941 until February 1942 and was awarded the DFC (gazetted 21st October 1941), being then credited with two Ju88s and a Me109 destroyed on the ground.

Pugh formed and then commanded 182 Squadron at Martlesham Heath from 1st September 1942.

He was killed on 2nd August 1943 as an Acting Wing Commander with 182. On a Roadstead sortie Pugh broke off to attack a destroyer in Dunkirk harbour but was shot down by flak in Typhoon 1b EK395. He was not recovered and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, panel 64.

Above image courtesy of Dean Sumner.

Additional research courtesy of David Fell.