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Tomlinson, Paul Anthony Tomlinson(Entry 9-39)Paul Anthony Tomlinson was born on 3rd November 1921 and was educated at Tonbridge School. He entered Cranwell in September 1939. His course was shortened course as a result of the outbreak of war and he graduated on 21st July 1940.Tomlinson carried out his elementary flying training at 9EFTS Ansty from October to April 10, 1940. He then moved to intermediate and advanced training at Cranwell. On completion he was granted a permanent commission. Tomlinson was posted to No 5 OTU Aston Down Aston Down down on July 28. He joined 29 Squadron at Digby on 20th August.Two days later, during an RDF trial flight, his Blenheim was struck by lightning. Tomlinson and his gunner were unhurt and returned safely.On the evening of 29 April 1941, Tomlinson took off at 19:55 hrs from RAF Wellingore in Beaufighter R2265 for an operational patrol. During the initial climb, the aircraft%u2019s undercarriage collapsed, causing minor damage. Both Tomlinson and his observer escaped uninjured, and the mission was aborted shortly after takeoffHe retired from the RAF in 1954 as a Squadron Leader.%u00a0%u00a0