Flight Sergeant Victor Arnold Thompson (1076295) served in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during World War Two. He was the second son of Robert Thompson and Kathleen Thompson of Elsinore, 36 Doury Road, Ballymena, Co. Antrim.
Victor died on 6th April 1945 aged 21 years old. He was a Wireless Operator / Air Gunner on board Vickers Wellington HE928 with RAF No. 26 Operational Training Unit. The Mark X bomber collided in mid-air over Hogshaw, Buckinghamshire with Vickers Wellington LN540 from the same OTU while taking part in a bombing exercise. Both planes came down near the railway line at Winslow, Buckinghamshire.
Flight Sergeant Thompson had 4.5 years’ service with the Royal Air Force. He enlisted aged 17 years old and flew missions in the Middle East where he received injuries. After recovering, he returned to flying with Bomber Command and completed his number of raids over Germany. Having been offered a role as an instructor, he chose to remain in the bombing crews. His brother Trooper Hugh Thompson served with the North Irish Horse and saw action in Italy.
Victor Arnold Thompson’s grave is in Section B, Square 24, Grave 14 of Ballymena Cemetery, Ballymena, Co. Antrim. His funeral took place at 1600hrs on 11th April 1945.