Jumpmaster Posted October 31, 2018 Share #1 Posted October 31, 2018 Group Captain Thompson, RAF. Joined the RN at 12, served on the HMS Furious during the Battle of Jutland. Moved to the RNFC and then RAF as an observer pilot. Served in the Midde East (Iraq specifically) among other duties throughout his career. Intgerestingly was offered promotion to Air Commodore but turned it down in order to retire and care for his wife who was ill. Link to comment
captainofthe7th Posted November 4, 2018 Share #2 Posted November 4, 2018 Nice looking tunic, do you have the citation for his award of the MBE? Is the last ribbon Naval Long Service? Very interesting cross service uniform. I am still new to the British field, but I have not yet seen a cross service uniform like this. It seems much more common in U.S. uniforms. Rob Link to comment
Jumpmaster Posted November 6, 2018 Author Share #3 Posted November 6, 2018 Rob Thank you, if I recall from the family, its a Czech award. Ill dig more. The interesting story is that I bought it on a whim, not being s uniform guy. Posted it on a RAF reunion blog, the family contacted me and we became friends. I offered to return it but the GCs niece said to keep it as they lost track of it and were happy it had a home. The rest of his goodies are in one of the RAF museums. If I can find the pics and letters from the GC in Iraq, Ill post as well Link to comment
Dr Strangelove Posted November 6, 2018 Share #4 Posted November 6, 2018 Last ribbon looks very close to the Czech Medal of Merit. Link to comment
PaulR Posted November 6, 2018 Share #5 Posted November 6, 2018 What a set and history. It would be cool to know of his WW2 missions. Are archives easy to access there in the UK? Link to comment
captainofthe7th Posted November 6, 2018 Share #6 Posted November 6, 2018 Rob Thank you, if I recall from the family, its a Czech award. Ill dig more. The interesting story is that I bought it on a whim, not being s uniform guy. Posted it on a RAF reunion blog, the family contacted me and we became friends. I offered to return it but the GCs niece said to keep it as they lost track of it and were happy it had a home. The rest of his goodies are in one of the RAF museums. If I can find the pics and letters from the GC in Iraq, Ill post as well Last ribbon looks very close to the Czech Medal of Merit. Yes, I just searched the Gazette with his last name and "Medal of Merit" and he appears in the 20 April 1948 edition. https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/38264/supplement/2467 Very interesting! It seems his British ribbons do not tell the full story of his service in WWII at all. Rob Link to comment
Jumpmaster Posted November 8, 2018 Author Share #7 Posted November 8, 2018 Rob thanks for the find, its true there is more to the story. Soon as I can find the files with the letters and pics Ill be able to tell it. Link to comment
MattS Posted November 30, 2018 Share #8 Posted November 30, 2018 Love seeing RAF uniforms and this a superb one, thanks for sharing! Link to comment
teamski Posted December 7, 2018 Share #9 Posted December 7, 2018 Excellent uniform with an incredible story! Thanks for sharing. -Ski Link to comment
Nack Posted December 9, 2018 Share #10 Posted December 9, 2018 That is very cool - congrats! Link to comment
Scarecrow Posted January 16, 2019 Share #11 Posted January 16, 2019 Great tunic, history and story! Link to comment
teamski Posted January 16, 2019 Share #12 Posted January 16, 2019 You sure he served on the HMS Furious? It wasn't launched until August 1916 well after Jutland. -Ski Link to comment
Jumpmaster Posted April 17, 2020 Author Share #13 Posted April 17, 2020 Honestly I’m only as sure as his relatives are; they passed it on to me. I’ve not seen his records but had some photos and letters from him given to me by his great nephew. So it’s possible not, but either he or they believe he did. Link to comment
Skysoldier80 Posted April 18, 2020 Share #14 Posted April 18, 2020 You can download MBE citations from Fold 3 Link to comment
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