Tom Bennett

Squadron Leader Tom Bennett DFM (27 January 1919–9 January  2013) flew as a navigator in one of the specialist crews on No. 617 (Dambusters) Squadron.

He was born in Poplar, London, the second son of a London dockworker and an Irish immigrant, but won a scholarship to Raine’s Foundation School. Tom passed with honours, but due to family circumstances he had to find work at the age of 16. He obtained a clerical post in Ladywell, Lewisham.

He joined the RAF in early 1940 and qualified as a navigator. He flew in numerous types of small aircraft as well as the far larger bombers. Tom married his childhood sweetheart, Lillian, in October 1940 and they went on to have five children. He was commissioned and remained in the RAF after the war, serving in various locations including Malta, Lincolnshire and the Isle of Man.

On discharge, Tom and Lillian settled in Westcliff-on-Sea in Essex and he worked for the British India Steam Navigation Company until his retirement. During his latter years he was heavily involved in the 617 Squadron Association and committed to their charitable causes.

Tom attended the opening of the Bomber Command Memorial in Hyde Park on 28 June 2012, and passed away peacefully the following January, two weeks before his 94th birthday.