Derek was born in April 1924 in Newcastle-under-Lyme and attended Newcastle High School prior to his arrival at Wrekin in 1937. Whilst in his final year at Wrekin he applied, and was accepted, by Manchester University with the intention of studying medicine.

However, it was not to be as the war intervened and so 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.

Revised: November 2025