The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. J B Thompson

Joseph Beckett Thompson of Magheragall, Northern Ireland was born on 4th October 1915 in Lisburn, the son of Thomas and Sarah Thompson.

He was educated at Lisburn Junior Technical High School.

Thompson joined the RAF as an Aircraft Apprentice in September 1932 and passed out in August 1935 as a Fitter.

He later applied for pilot training and was selected. With his training completed, he was serving with 25 Squadron at Northolt at the outbreak of war.

On 31st July 1940 Thompson was captain of Blenheim L1408, which collided with Blenheim L6722 of 29 Squadron over the Bristol Channel during a test of the AI radar system.

Thompson, AC2 EJ Toy of 32 MU and Mr. DM Gordon, a civilian assistant from 32 MU, were all lost as were the occupants of L6722 - Sgt. E Waite, Sgt. CJ Richardson and LAC T Ward from 32 MU.

Thompson was 24 and is buried in the Church of Ireland churchyard, Magheragall, County Antrim.

Above images courtesy of the Thompson family via Nicholas Dark, Chaplain to the Royal British Legion Lisburn branch.