Thread: Sqn.Ldr.A.H.Tomlin

Matt, what is the source of your information. Tomlin is neither listed with 617 (their ORB is pretty comprehensive for transfers in and out of the squadron), nor was he awarded an AFC. His retirement notice in the LG in the early 1960s only make mention of the DFC(s)

His DFC and bar were awarded with 619 Squadron. After the war he was in the Training Branch.

As the AFC was placed after the reference to the DFC(s) maybe he meant his arm of service - which should be RAFVR.

Here is a bit of info on the gentleman in question:


(Commissioned from the rank of Sergeant)

ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE. GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.

To be Plt. Offs. on prob. (emergency): —

1260811 Anthony Herbert TOMLIN (111497). 3rd Aug. 1941.


ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE. GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.

Plt. Offs. (prob.) confmd., in appts. and to be Flg. Offs. (war subs.) :— 3rd Aug. 1942

A. H. TOMLIN (111497)


ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE. GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.

Flg. Offs. to be Flt. Lts. (war subs.): — 3rd Aug. 1943

A.H. TOMLIN (111497).



Air Ministry, 18th January, 1944.

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following award :

Distinguished Flying Cross.

Flight Lieutenant Anthony Herbert TOMLIN (111497) Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 619 Squadron.



Air Ministry, 25th January, 1944. (Read the citation for the DFM for Brookes)

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy:

Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross.

Flight Lieutenant Anthony Herbert TOMLIN, D.F.C. (111497), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 619 Squadron.

Distinguished Flying Medal.

991981 Flight Sergeant Albert Edward BROOKES, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 619 Squadron. On the night of 16th December, 1943 this officer and airman were pilot and flight engineer respectively of an aircraft detailed to attack Berlin. When nearing the target area the aircraft was attacked by fighters and one of the starboard engines was put out of action and it caught fire. Quick work by Flight Sergeant Brookes extinguished the flames and, although much height had been lost, Flight Lieutenant Tomlin flew on to the target and bombed it. On the return flight, Flight Sergeant Brookes displayed great engineering skill and his efforts proved of material assistance to his pilot in his endeavour to reach this country. On reaching base, a second engine failed but Flight Lieutenant Tomlin effected a successful crash-landing without injury to any of his crew. This officer displayed outstanding determination and devotion to duty; Flight Sergeant Brookes displayed similar qualities and proved himself a valuable member of aircraft crew.




30 JANUARY, 1948

TERRITORIAL ARMY RESERVE OF OFFICERS

SPECIAL LIST. (For Service with the Army Cadet Force). Essex.

Anthony Herbert TOMLIN, D.F C (381887), to be 2nd Lt , 26th Nov 1947.

Hello Kyt and Dave,
Many thanks for your replies and information, its very much appreciated!
My initial information came from a school magazine published in 1948, he was listed as having an AFC.......
Kyt you're right it was 619 Squadron, my typing error!!!!!!!

Many thanks again, I'll keep on searching.

Morning All,
Has anyone got any further ideas or information about this gentleman? I've drawn a blank since our last message, as I'm not a next of kin I'm blocked from gettings service records etc. released. Also as Tony never married finding a next of kin is next to impossible..............
Tony was my fathers Latin teacher at school after the war, my Dad knew him well and firmly believed that he completed two and a half tours on Lancasters but all I can find is his service with 619.
I'd be REALLY grateful for any further help or advice, many thanks,
Matt

As you note, Tony died soon after retirement. I understand that the RAF assocation named a room after him at their Stamford club. His papers etc from his RAF days were taken to the RAF museum at Hendon. Tony was one of 5 brothers and one sister and only one brother is alive, but in a nursing home in Norfolk. Their father was an Anglican vicar and for a larger part of his ministery was rector of Schole in Norfolk. His mother, Doris (nee) Millar, has twin sisters - one married Algernon Willis (Admiral of the Fleet) and the other married Clem Attlee. Tony was in regluar correspondence during the war with Clem and I have at least one letter from Clem referring to one of Tony's DFC awards. I am Tony's youngest nephew.