Meredith Thomas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Meredith Thomas
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| Born | 6 June 1892 Felindre, Radnorshire, Wales |
| Died | 20 May 1984 (aged 91) Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army (1914–1918) Royal Air Force (1918–1946) |
| Years of service | 1914–1946 |
| Rank | Air Vice Marshal |
| Unit | Queen's Westminsters Welsh Regiment No. 41 Squadron RFC No. 6 Squadron RAF No. 30 Squadron RAF |
| Commands held | Air Officer Commanding, RAF India (1944–1946) No. 23 Group RAF (1943–44) No. 6 Armament Training Camp, RAF Warmwell (1937–1938) |
| Battles/wars | First World War Second World War |
| Awards | Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire Commander of the Order of the British Empire Distinguished Flying Cross Air Force Cross Mentioned in Despatches (2) |
Air Vice Marshal Meredith Thomas (born July 6, 1892 – died May 20, 1984) was a very important leader in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. He started his amazing career as a "flying ace" in the First World War, meaning he shot down five enemy aircraft.
Contents
A Brave Pilot's Journey
Meredith Thomas was a highly respected officer. He served his country for over 30 years. He was known for his bravery in the skies and his strong leadership on the ground.
Early Life and First Steps
Meredith Thomas was born in a place called Felindre in Radnorshire, Wales. This was on July 6, 1892. When he was 22, in August 1914, he joined the Queen's Westminsters regiment. He went to France in January 1915. He served as a soldier on the Western Front until December 1915. After that, he became an officer in the Welsh Regiment.
Flying High in World War I
In October 1916, Thomas joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force before it became the Royal Air Force. He learned to fly airplanes. In 1917, he joined No. 41 Squadron. He flew planes like the Royal Aircraft Factory FE.8 and the Airco DH.5. He became a flight commander in March 1917.
He achieved his first two victories in September 1917. He destroyed an Albatros D.III plane near Cambrai. He destroyed another one at Bugnicourt, France. Later, he flew a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a. With this plane, he shot down three more Albatros D.V planes. This made him a "flying ace." An ace is a pilot who has shot down five or more enemy aircraft. His last victory was on December 6, 1917. After becoming an ace, he returned to England. There, he helped train new pilots.
Building a Career Between Wars
After the First World War, Thomas continued his service. In 1919, he was stationed in Germany. He received the Air Force Cross for his brave actions. From 1920 to 1923, he served in Iraq. He flew planes like the Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8 and the Bristol F.2 Fighter. He was recognized for his service twice. He also received the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1922.
Thomas returned to England in 1923. He attended the RAF Staff College. This college helps officers learn how to be good leaders. He was promoted to squadron leader in 1926. Later, he taught young cadets at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell. He also served in India, where he was promoted to wing commander in 1934. In 1937, he took command of a training camp in England.
Leading the Way in World War II
When the Second World War began, Thomas took on bigger roles. In 1940, he became the Director of Technical Training. This meant he was in charge of training people for technical jobs in the air force. He was promoted to acting air commodore. In 1941, he became a senior officer in the Flying Training Command.
In 1943, he was promoted to acting air vice marshal. This is a very high rank. He became the Air Officer Commanding of No. 23 Group RAF. In 1944, he became the Air Officer Commanding for the Royal Air Force in India. He held this important position until the war ended.
Retirement and Legacy
Meredith Thomas officially retired from the Royal Air Force on April 18, 1946. He had served his country for many years. He passed away on May 20, 1984, in Gloucester, England. He is remembered as a brave pilot and a strong leader.
