George Thom

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Bio

This picture hangs in the Isipingo Golf Cub (Amanzimtoti, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa). He is dressed in his Isipingo Old Boys blazer .

George Thom completed his flying training in the Union of South Africa in 1951. After that, he started conversion courses to qualify to fly Spitfires (MK IX), Mustang (P51-D), and de Havilland Vampires (DH 100). After weapons training, he completed his flight simulator training in Canada to fly the F86 Sabre. In 1952, he was accepted as a volunteer to go and fight against the oppression of the South Korean people and to halt Communist expansion. Upon arrival in Korea, he joined 2 Sqn of the South African Air Force, the Flying Cheetahs, stationed at K55. After several combat sorties (72) over the next year, he was shot down on 21 June 1953 and taken POW by the Chinese. He was released soon after the signing of the Armistice and returned to South Africa. An account of George’s experience as a POW can be found in the book South Africa’s Flying Cheetahs in Korea, by Dermot Moore by Peter Bagshawe (ISBN-10 :1874800154). He decided to make the South African Air Force his career. He retired in 1986, holding the rank of Brigadier, which is now called Brigadier General, which is the American equivalent of a one-star general. After many years enjoying his pension, he passed away in April 2013. Surviving him are his 1st-born son, George Thom. 2nd-born son, Alan Thom, and last-born daughter, Lynette Williams (nee Thom). He had three grandchildren: George Thom (3rd), Jean Williams, and Stephanie Thom.

Photos

Released as POW

George Thom (on the right), chatting to Maj. Retief after his release inSeoul.

Newspaper Clipping of George MIA

News paper posting in the Natal Mercury on the 21 July 1953, confirming George Them as MIA.

No. 2 Squadron (SAAF) in Korea 1953/53

2 Sqn (SAAF) pilots in Korea, circa 1952/53. George Thom is in the 2nd row from the back, second from the right.