VANCE, Thomas 'Tommy'
Bio / Text:
Thomas 'Tommy' VANCE
A pilot whose main role was ground support from D-Day on.
Tommy Vance flew through considerable flak but came out unscathed.
He also landed a Spitfire on one wheel (fairly dangerous) while ferrying an aircraft.
Calling up the control tower, he performed various manoeuvres to try to unstick the undercarriage; flying upside down, rolls, etc.
Finally, the ground crew inspected the aircraft on a low fly pass.
He successfully landed it with minimal damage and the aircraft flew a week later.
Later on, he provided support as the allies moved into Germany.
Later in life Tom worked for E.R. & Fisher in Ottawa.
A pilot whose main role was ground support from D-Day on.
Tommy Vance flew through considerable flak but came out unscathed.
He also landed a Spitfire on one wheel (fairly dangerous) while ferrying an aircraft.
Calling up the control tower, he performed various manoeuvres to try to unstick the undercarriage; flying upside down, rolls, etc.
Finally, the ground crew inspected the aircraft on a low fly pass.
He successfully landed it with minimal damage and the aircraft flew a week later.
Later on, he provided support as the allies moved into Germany.
Later in life Tom worked for E.R. & Fisher in Ottawa.
Spitfire Art Prints:
Squadrons:
| Squadrons add | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Airforce | Sqdrn | Start | Finish |
| RCAF | 411 | 1944-06-20 | -- |
Aircraft:
| Aircraftadd | ||
|---|---|---|
| Serial | Note | Date |
| NH341 | DB-E | 1944-10-01 |
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Comments / Questions:
by: kurtis Serial Matched to Marking - previously only known as DB-E no serial 2017-08-24 03:53:36
In the video, a picture is shown of Tommy Vance in a lead aircraft -- with marking DB-E. Subsequent internet research (2017) shows restored aircraft of 411 "Grizzly" Squadron aircraft NH341 - with same marking, with remarks in the link attached (above) that this aircraft was flown by nine different RCAF pilots. We've now added that serial -- and it's exciting to know that this aircraft is now flight ready again.
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