McCANN, Thomas Andrew

Pilot Officer T. A. McCann

Pilot Officer, 134 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Service No: 116980
Died: 27/07/1942
Age: 23
 
Interred in El Alamein War Cemetery
Remembered on family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

Thomas Andrew McCann was born in Osborne Terrace, Lisburn Road, Belfast, on 9th May 1919, the son of Thomas Andrew Mitchell McCann, an Income Tax Inspector and his wife Florence A. McCann (nee Sheppard).

Thomas was educated at Bangor Grammar School, and on leaving took up a position with the Belfast Harbour Commissioners.

He joined the R.A.F.V.R. in January, 1939, and was called up on the outbreak of war, got his wings on his 21st birthday.

Thomas took part in the Battle of Britain before being posted to 134 Squadron which went to Russia in August 1941, leaving there in November.

Commissioned in February 1942, Thomas was posted with 134 Squadron, which were operating Hurricanes, to North Africa.

He had been attached to 213 Squadron and, on July 27th 1942, was scrambled from Landing Ground 154, south-west of Alexandria. The squadron was bounced by Me109s as they took off and he and two other pilots were killed.

Thomas was survived by his wife Barbara Bradshaw and an eight-month-old daughter.

Mr. M. Wilkins, M.A., Headmaster of Bangor Grammar School, writing of Thomas said:—

“It was with deep regret that we learn that hope appears to be abandoned for the safety of Pilot-Officer Thomas A. M'Cann, last week reported to have been killed on active service in the Middle East. Another young life has been added to the tragic and glorious roll of Old Boys of Bangor Grammar School who have made the supreme sacrifice in the present war. To-day we reckon their number at seventeen, while the fate of at least three more is still uncertain and two others are prisoners of war.

“Tom M'Cann joined the School in September, 1931, at the age of twelve, and was with us for three years. It seems a long time ago, but the memory of that slight active little fair-haired figure and of his blue eyes and friendly humorous smile seems as vivid as yesterday. He was not a scholar, but everyone liked him, and he joined with goodwill and enthusiasm in all the activities and rough-and-tumble of school life. He never gave any trouble that I knew of, for his heart was in the right place in boyhood as in manhood. He was just a good sample of the average boy — inconspicuous and modest, but capable of quiet heroism in response to inspiring leadership. His great day came when unexpectedly he won the Mile Race at the annual athletic sports! Aged only fifteen and looking absurdly small to be the winner, he ran with graceful action and perfect steadiness: never was there so popular a win, never do I remember such a scene of delighted excitement. His name became a household word with us, and it was no surprise to hear in later years, of his front-line service with the Royal Air Force and of his pioneer work in flying Hurricanes to the North Russian front.

“It is a great privilege and responsibility to have the care of boys like Tom M'Cann in the critical years when they are growing into men. And an even greater responsibility rests upon us all to labour that the Divine Purpose inherent in such lives and deaths may be fulfilled.”

DIED ON ACTIVE SERVICE
McCann – November, 1941, result of enemy action, Thomas, second son of Mrs. F. A. McCann, 92, Gregg Street, Bangor, and the late Mr. Thomas McCann. Deeply regretted by his sorrowing Mother, Brother and Sister.



CWGC headstone photo Colonel C. R. Romberg, R.A.
Portrait photo from the Battle of Britain Monument website.