PDF
« Previous

Wallace, Thomas Young (T Y)

Next »
Identity
Person No.
27632
Service No.
149635
Last Name
First Name
Thomas Young
Initials
T Y
Date of Birth
Unknown
Est. Birth Year
Age at Death
28
Military Service
Death Record
Date of Death
Cause of Death
Killed in action, Typhoon MN205, shot down by flak over Dunkirk
Grave Reference
Additional Information
Notes

Son of William Francis and Ruth Agnes Wallace, of Johannesburg, South Africa. F.C.I.S. Credited with five victories in the Battle of Britain, and became the first South African to be awarded the DFM (Distinguished Flying Medal). Commissioned in 1943, he later commanded 609 Squadron for two months when he was shot down and killed over France. His brother also died on service. On Jeppe High School for Boys Roll of Honour. "One of the few" Battle of Britain pilot

Citation

LG 25 October 1940 - "In a period of three weeks, Sergeant Wallace has destroyed seven enemy aircraft and probably another four. On one occasion he became separated from his squadron and, single-handed, pursued a formation of enemy bombers back to the French coast. While in mid-channel he was attacked by six enemy fighters, and although his aircraft was severely damaged in the resulting battle, he shot down one enemy aircraft and damaged another. Sergeant Wallace has displayed conspicuous courage and fighting ability."

External Source
Unknown
South African War Graves Project

southafricawargraves.org — record #27632