Derek joined the Fleet Air Arm on leaving Wrekin in July 1942, and completed his initial training as an airman in Trinidad, receiving his commission in 1943. 

Based at HMS Nightjar (RNAS Inskip), a Royal Naval air station in Lancashire, Derek was killed whilst piloting a Fairey Swordfish [NF337], a medium-sized bi-plane [torpedo bomber and reconnaissance aircraft] when it crashed in a field on Friday 17^th November 1944. Derek was 20 years old and is buried at Inskip (St.Peter) Churchyard, Lancashire.

Eldest son of Leslie Grose Tomlinson & Winifred Mary Tomlinson of Betley, Staffordshire: engaged to Naval Wren Audrey Wood of Worcester.

A copy of this story may be downloaded here.

See also the Commonwealth War Graves Commission permanent digital memorial,
‘Evermore: Stories of the fallen’  relating to:- Sub-Lieutenant Derek Arthur Grose TOMLINSON