After joining the RAF in 1941, Tom Austin qualified as a pilot on the AT-6 "Harvard" (Americans called it the "Texan"), as one of the British Flying Training School (BFTS) #4 "Falcon Field" cadets, based in Mesa, Arizona. During his war time, Tom also flew the Handley Page "Halifax" heavy bomber, the Avro "Lancaster," the Short "Stirling" bomber and the Vickers "Wellington" bomber.
He served in the 199th Squadron based at Lakenheath. During a raid over Dortmund, his Wellington was badly damaged, but Tom managed to limp home, crash-landing at Mildenhall.
Tom went on to have a distinguished career as a pilot.
ROYAL AIR FORCE
WORLD WAR II
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).
He served in the 199th Squadron based at Lakenheath. During a raid over Dortmund, his Wellington was badly damaged, but Tom managed to limp home, crash-landing at Mildenhall.
Tom went on to have a distinguished career as a pilot.
ROYAL AIR FORCE
WORLD WAR II
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).
After joining the RAF in 1941, Tom Austin qualified as a pilot on the AT-6 "Harvard" (Americans called it the "Texan"), as one of the British Flying Training School (BFTS) #4 "Falcon Field" cadets, based in Mesa, Arizona. During his war time, Tom also flew the Handley Page "Halifax" heavy bomber, the Avro "Lancaster," the Short "Stirling" bomber and the Vickers "Wellington" bomber.
He served in the 199th Squadron based at Lakenheath. During a raid over Dortmund, his Wellington was badly damaged, but Tom managed to limp home, crash-landing at Mildenhall.
Tom went on to have a distinguished career as a pilot.
ROYAL AIR FORCE
WORLD WAR II
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).
He served in the 199th Squadron based at Lakenheath. During a raid over Dortmund, his Wellington was badly damaged, but Tom managed to limp home, crash-landing at Mildenhall.
Tom went on to have a distinguished career as a pilot.
ROYAL AIR FORCE
WORLD WAR II
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).
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