A Second War ‘Operation Pedestal’ D.S.C. group of seven awarded to Lieutenant-Commander...

A Second War ‘Operation Pedestal’ D.S.C. group of seven awarded to Lieutenant-Commander A. J. Thomson, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, who served as Commanding Officer of 887 Squadron, and was additionally Mentioned in Despatches for his services in action against the Tirpitz

Distinguished Service Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 192 and additionally privately engraved ‘Sub Lieut (A) A. J. Thomson R.N.V.R.’; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Africa Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, mounted court-style for display, nearly extremely fine (7) £1,200-£1,600

Footnote
D.S.C. London Gazette 10 November 1942: ‘For bravery and dauntless resolution while serving in H.M. Ships, H.M. Aircraft-Carriers, Merchantmen, and Oilers when an important Convoy was fought through to Malta in the face of relentless attacks by day and night from enemy submarines, aircraft and surface forces.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 16 January 1945:
‘For undaunted courage, skill, and determination in carrying out daring attacks on the German battleship Tirpitz.’

The original recommendation (originally for a decoration, rather than a Mention) states: ‘As Senior Pilot in 887 Squadron this officer has taken part in three fighter sorties during recent operations, and has assisted in the destruction of several enemy aircraft on the ground, together with hangars at Banak and a radar station at Ytteroerne. He has displayed great courage and determination in his attacks, providing an excellent example for younger pilots and supporting his Squadron Commander with skill.’

Andrew John Thomson was commissioned Sub-Lieutenant (Air) in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve on 9 August 1941, and was posted to 800 Squadron on 11 October of that year. He is is mentioned a number of times by Commander R. Crossley in his book They gave me a Seafire; they served together in 800 Squadron in 1942 when the unit re-equipped with Sea Hurricanes. Acquiring the nickname ‘Greyhound’, Thomson was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his gallantry during Operation Pedestal, the Malta convoy, whilst serving in H.M.S. Indomitable. It was subsequently with this unit and on the carrier H.M.S. Biter that Thomson saw action on the opening morning of Operation Torch over Oran in French Morocco, where he was credited with the shooting down of one French Dewoitine D520 that day.

Transferring to 759 Squadron, based at R.N.A.S. Yeovilton, on 28 December 1942, Thomson was promoted Lieutenant (Air) on 1 September 1943, and transferred to 887 Squadron on 14 January 1944, being appointed the Squadron’s Commanding Officer on 19 August 1944 whilst at sea on H.M.S. Indefatigable on a mission off the Norwegian coast. He remained the Squadron’s commander until May 1945 and lead them through their deployment to the Pacific theatre.

Remaining in the service following the cessation of hostilities, Thomson was appointed Commanding Officer of 807 Squadron on 8 July 1948, and was promoted Lieutenant-Commander on 30 November 1951. His final posting was to the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Bulwark in January 1956.

Sold with named Director of Naval Pay and Pensions, Ministry of Defence enclosure for the Second War awards; two group photographs of the Officers of 887 Squadron, H.M.S. Indefatigable, in which the recipient is identified; and copied research.