Able Seaman Thomas A.
Born in the UK in 1928, Thomas was called up to Plymouth for basic training at the age of 18 in 1946. It was the ending of WWII.
After his 16 weeks of training, Thomas did a short stint on a large minesweeper, clearing mines set by the Germans in shipping lanes. The Germans hoped by sinking merchant and naval vessels serving Britain they would successfully cripple them.
By 1947 Thomas was stationed on the HMS Vanguard, the biggest and fastest of the Royal Navy’s battleships. Thomas was promoted from Seaman to Able Seaman and was responsible for keeping the vessel “ship shape.” His service on the HMS Vanguard was cut short when the British Royal family commissioned the Vanguard for passage to South Africa where Princess Elizabeth celebrated her 21st birthday.
Thomas’ final station was on the HMS St. James. The St. James was a Battle-class destroyer of the Royal Navy. Thomas says it was an “honour” to serve and be a part of the 5th Destroyer Flotilla. When asked what his service meant to him, Thomas said “it was his duty, yet, an honour.”
Thomas went on to become a “Bobby” (Metro Policeman) in London. He later joined the Edmonton Police Force when he moved to Canada before having a long successful career in finance. Thomas will turn 93 shortly after Remembrance Day. He still stands Tall & Proud.
Thomas and his wife Muriel are both residents at Good Samaritan Southgate Care Centre in Edmonton, Alberta.
