The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. R F Tatnell

Reginald Frederick Tatnell was born in October 1915 in Greenwich, the son of William and Jessie Tatnell.

His father worked in the butchery trade. RF Tatnell joined the RAFVR about June 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot.

Called up on 1st September, he completed his elementary training at 10 EFTS Yatesbury. He moved on to 3 FTS South Cerney for No. 34 Course, which ran from 28th April to 3rd August 1940.

With his training completed, Tatnell probably went on No. 4 Blenheim course at No. 1 (C) OTU Silloth, from 12th August to 9th September and he joined 235 Squadron (Blenheims) at Bircham Newton on 20th September.

Above (L to R): Tatnell, Sgt. RR Stretch of 235 Squadron.

Above image courtesy of the family of Sgt. RR Stretch

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He flew his first operational sortie on the 26th. Tatnell was posted with his flight to RAF Aldergrove on 19th November where it combined with a flight of 236 Squadron to reform 272 Squadron on the 21st.

Tatnell was killed on 18th May 1941 as a Sergeant with 272 Squadron when Beaufighter Ic T3302 dived into the ground after a night take-off from Chivenor.

He was 25 and is buried in St Augustine's churchyard, Heanton Punchardon, Devon.