Battle of Britain Monument Home THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN LONDON MONUMENT Battle of Britain London Monument
The Battle of Britain London Monument "Never in the field of human
conflict was so much owed
by so many to so few
."
Site of Battleof Britain London Monument Work in Progress London Monument Site Drawing of Battle of Britain London Monument
Battle of Britain London Monument Home    
   

The Airmen's Stories - P/O T R Thomson

 

Thomas Russel Thomson was born in Glasgow on 4th November 1916 and educated at Annette Street School and Strathbungo Higher Grade School.

 

 

He was an accountant when he joined the RAFVR in April 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called up on 1st September 1939, he completed his training at 9 FTS Hullavington on No. 20 Course which ran from 9th June to 7th September 1940.

With his training completed, he arrived at 6 OTU Sutton Bridge on 9th September and after converting to Hurricanes joined 615 Squadron at Prestwick on the 30th.

He joined 607 Squadron at Tangmere on 9th October, moving to 213 Squadron, also at Tangmere, on the 21st.

Thomson's last flight with 213 was made on 29th October 1940 in Hurricane V6868. During this patrol, he was shot down, his aircraft coming down in a ploughed field at Wallington, outside Fareham in Hampshire. Thomson was severely injured and was in hospital for much of 1941.

Thomson resumed active service in 1942 and went into Flying Control.

He married Diana Elizabeth Laws at Barton Church, Darlington on 20th August 1943.

He was released from the RAF on 16th August 1946 as a Wing Commander.

Thomson received a Mention in Despatches in 1944.

He was appointed manager Nairobi Airport in 1957 and was made an OBE (gazetted 1st January 1972) for services to aviation.

Perhaps intending to enter civil aviation, he was awarded Aero Certificate 23114 on 30th July 1947.

He died on 31st March 2008.


Battle of Britain Monument