Wesson, Thomas Edmund (Tom)

Tom was born in Warwick on 30th April 1906. He was baptised at St. Mary’s Church on June 19th 1906. In 1911, aged four, he was living with his parents and a 16 year old servant Margaret Padbury at 2 Broad Street, Warwick. Tom’s father, Percy, was working as a clerk in the Education Office. He had one sister, Gladys Mary (1914-1993).

In 1935 in Warwick, Tom married Joan Alice Simmons. According to the census of 1939 Tom was living with the Ellison family at Bank House, Easthamstead, Berkshire. His occupation is stated as a flying instructor with the RAF. Joan was living with Tom’s parents at 7 Emscote Road. Also living there was Tom’s sister Gladys and her husband Ralph Davies. Joan died in Bognor Regis in 2003 aged 93.

Thomas became interested in flying ‘when requested to ride as ballast in an aeroplane that had landed on Warwick Racecourse on it’s way to London in the 1930’s .. He took flying lessons at Major Bonnisken’s Aerodrome at Bishops Tachbrook’. He also briefly worked as a wing walker with an aerial circus.’

The year before his death, the Warwickshire Advertiser featured Tom in their column on Warwick men serving in the forces. On his death a much fuller article told of his colourful life.