The Airmen's Stories - P/O P A Tomlinson

Paul Anthony Tomlinson was born on 3rd November 1921 and was educated at Tonbridge School. He entered the RAF College Cranwell in September 1939 as a Flight Cadet. He did a shortened course and graduated on 21st July 1940 with a Permanent Commission.

He joined 29 Squadron at Digby from 5 OTU Aston Down on 20th August Two days later, during an RDF trial flight, his Blenheim was struck by lightning. Tomlinson and his gunner were unhurt and returned safely.

Above: he married in March 1943.

His subsequent service is currently undocumented until 31st March 1945 when Tomlinson left the RAF as a Flight Lieutenant, retaining the rank of Squadron Leader.

Tomlinson may have emigrated to Canada in the 1960s. He arrived in Southampton aboard the ss Nieuw Amsterdam, from New York, on 2nd September 1960. The landing documentation indicated that his residence for the next 5 years would be in Canada.

He is named on a plaque at Tonbridge School (below).