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The Airmen's Stories - F/O C R D Thomas

 

Charles Raymond Delauney Thomas was born on 24th September 1918 in Great Ouseburn, Yorshire, the son of Charles Llewelyn and Constance May Thomas.

He was educated at Colet House School in Rhyl and Bootham School in York.

Thomas joined the RAF on a short service commission in June 1937.

 

Above: Older brother Anthony (see below) at left, Charles at right.

 

He was posted to 10 FTS at Tern Hill on 21st August and after completing his training he joined the FAA Pool at RAF Gosport on 10th October 1938.

He married Vera Patricia O'Hanlon in Winchester, Hampshire in December 1939.

 

Above: a sketch of Charles.

 

In January 1940 Thomas joined 236 Squadron, operating from Thorney Island.

On 18th July he was captain of Blenheim L6779 which failed to return from a photo-reconnaisance over Le Havre. The weather was bad and there was intense anti-aircraft fire over Cap de la Hague. The aircraft may have been shot down by Major W Schellmann of JG2 who made a claim on this day.

The gunner, Sgt. HDB Elsdon, was reported Missing.

Thomas was killed, aged 22, his body was washed ashore on 30th July and he is buried in Quiberville churchyard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Charles' older Brother Anthony Delauney Thomas was born on 10th September 1914.

 

 

He was killed whilst flying in Wellington IC R3229, T of 37 Squadron which crashed on the approach to Menidi, Greece while trying to avoid two Greek Air Force Tutors on 7th March 1941.

Also lost were:

P/O AD Thomas
Sgt. JW Bolton RNZAF
Sgt. HHD Cox
Cpl. JFW Dunn
Sgt. LG Mitchell

All are buried in Phaleron War Cemetery, Athens.

 

 


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