The Second World War Bomber Command Air Crew Europe and post-war Malayan Emergency group awarded to Flight Lieutenant J.E. Thompson, Royal Air Force. Thompson apparently flew on a tour of operations over Europe with 12 Squadron when a Wireless Operator / Air Gunner in Lancaster’s bombers during 1943. He was commissioned in November 1943, and remained in the service post-war. Having transferred into the Fighter Control Branch in January 1952, he saw service on the ground as part of Operation Firedog during the Malayan Emergency, before eventually retiring in October 1974.
Group of 5: 1939-1945 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence Medal; War Medal; General Service Medal 1918-1962, EIIR Dei.Grat. bust, 1 Clasp: Malaya; (FLT. LT. J.E. THOMPSON. R.A.F.), mounted swing style as worn.
Condition: Good Very Fine.
John Edward Thompson flew operationally as an Wireless Operator / Air Gunner with the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, and apparently flew as a Flight Sergeant (No.658387) in Lancaster bombers with 12 Squadron before being commissioned as a Pilot Officer (No.169131) on probation into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve on 14th November 1943 for service with the General Duties Branch. He was promoted to war substantive Flying Officer on 21st May 1944, and to war substantive Flight Lieutenant on 21st November 1945. Post war he remained in the service, and as a Flying Officer then opted to continue in the service for four years from 5th December 1946, and was once again gazetted as a war substantive Flight Lieutenant on 28th February 1947 with seniority backdated to 21st November 1944, before being confirmed in the rank of Flight Lieutenant on 21st May 1947, when apparently serving as a Signaller with 47 Squadron.
Thompson extended is service to eight years with the Active List and was gazetted as having done so in April 1949, with seniority back dated to 5th December 1946. He then transferred into the Fighter Control Branch on 3rd January 1952, and having seen service on the ground as part of Operation Firedog during the Malayan Emergency, eventually retired from service when still a Flight Lieutenant on 17th October 1974.
