Determined to become an air gunner, Tommy Thomas began RAF service with General Duties. Assisting in the dangerous task of target towing for Spitfire training, he worked with Fairey Bombers and Lysanders. His hard work paid off; before age 19, he completed air gunner training and joined the 161 Squadron at RAF Tempsford. Initially serving on Halifax aircraft to drop supplies, Tommy was soon transferred to the squadron’s A Flight by Flight Commander Hugh Verity, who recognised his skill with Lysanders.

Tommy flew 33 missions in Halifax, Hudson, Lysanders and, once, in a Stirling bomber. Whilst most missions were over France and Europe, some reached as far as North Africa. The most challenging were the night flights, navigating hostile territory by moonlight alone. He recounts fascinating details from his time with 161 Squadron, including mission preparations from RAF Tempsford and Tangmere, and techniques for retrieving mail bags from occupied territory using adapted Lysanders. Although Tommy claims he was “lucky,” his missions included two near-disasters, and he admits flights over the sea were the most unnerving—he always dreaded water.

Following D-Day, Tommy took on new responsibilities helping with internees at RAF Tempsford. He concludes his story with a personal memory of his promotion to Flight Officer, which coincided with his father’s Red Cross return. Resolving to notify his mother, interned in a French camp, Tommy recounts a successful—and daring—effort to get a message to her, showing his courage and daring.