The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. R F Tatnell

Reginald Frederick Tatnell was born in October 1915 in Greenwich. 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.