Meredith Thomas

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Meredith Thomas
Mentioned in Despatches
(2)

First World War, credited with five aerial victories.[1]

Early life

Meredith Thomas was born in Felindre, Radnorshire, Wales on 6 July 1892.[1]

First World War

Thomas joined the

Welsh Regiment.[2][3]

Thomas transferred to the

Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a, he claimed three wins over Albatros D.Vs. On 30 November 1917, he destroyed one D.V over Rumilly, France at 1345 hours. A quarter-hour later, he joined with squadron-mates Russell Winnicott, Loudoun MacLean, and Frank Harold Taylor in driving another down out of control. His final victory came on 6 December 1917 at 1450 hours, when he and two other pilots sent a D.V down out of control over Sailly, France. Having thus become an ace, he was then returned to instructor duty in England.[1][3][4]

Interwar period

In 1919 Thomas was stationed in Germany; while there, he received the

Mentioned in Despatches on 19 April 1921. In mid 1921, he transferred to No. 30 Squadron in Baghdad to fly an Airco DH.9a; he was again Mentioned in Despatches, on 28 October 1921. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on 10 October 1922.[3]

Thomas returned from foreign service to begin attending RAF Staff College on 1 May 1923. On 5 May 1924, he was graduated to staff duty. He was promoted to squadron leader on 1 January 1926. On 1 September 1928, he began instructing cadets at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell.[3]

Once again posted overseas, Thomas began attending the

wing commander came on 1 January 1934.[3]

Thomas returned to the British Isles to assume command of No. 6 Armament Training Camp, RAF Warmwell on 24 May 1937. The following year, on 6 May, he became Senior Air Staff Officer for No. 5 Group RAF.[3]

Second World War and beyond

With the advent of war, Thomas moved up in responsibility, becoming Director of Technical Training on 7 August 1940. On 1 December, he was appointed an acting

Flying Training Command.[3]

On 2 August 1943, Thomas was simultaneously raised to acting

Air Headquarters India. He held the post through war's end.[3]

On 22 January 1946, Thomas was retained as an air vice marshal. His retirement followed on 18 April 1946.[3] He died on 20 May 1984, at Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Meredith Thomas". The Aerodrome. Retrieved 2 April 2012.
  2. ^ Shores, Franks & Guest (1990), p. 360.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Barrass, M. B. "Air Vice-Marshal Meredith Thomas". Air of Authority – A History of RAF Organisation. Retrieved 2 April 2012.
  4. ^ a b Shores, Franks & Guest (1990), pp. 360–361.
Military offices
Preceded by
Sir Guy Garrod
As Deputy AOC in C, RAF India
 Air Officer Commanding, RAF India
1944–1946 		Succeeded by
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