| Thomas Nelson was the elder son of Thomas J and Sarah Nelson. He was born about 1921.
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| His parents lived for a time at Church Street, Cookstown.
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| According to the 158 Squadron website, Thomas had honours in boxing, cricket and rugby football. He came from Athlone, County Meath, Ireland.
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| Thomas was the husband of Mary Nelson.
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| Thomas Nelson joined the Royal Air Force in October 1938.
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| Later he volunteered to fly with Bomber Command.
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| 1944
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| Sergeant (Air Gunner) Thomas Nelson was serving with the 158 Squadron of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve when he was killed in action on 20th February 1944, aged 23.
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| Sergeant Nelson was part of a seven man crew on board a Halifax bomber on a night raid of Leipzig. His fellow crewmen were FILBY JA (KIA), HOLMES SW (KIA), HORTON LA (KIA), ROGERSON A (KIA), WAKEFIELD W (KIA) BARRETT GJ (POW). They took off from RAF Lissett in Yorkshire.
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| Sergeant Nelson’s Halifax was shot down on 20th February 1944 by a night-fighter and crashed near Beedenbostel, NNE of Lachendorf, Germany. Only George Barrett survived. George Barrett became a prisoner of war.
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| The Kiel mine laying diversion was successful in drawing off fighters, but the German controllers only sent half of the available aircraft. As soon as the bomber stream crossed the Dutch coast they were confronted by the remaining half of the fighters and, moreover, the ones sent to Kiel were returned to join the fray. As a consequence, the fighters steadily picked off bombers all the way to this distant target. The winds were strongly than had been predicted and many bombers arrived early and had to orbit the target awaiting the Pathfinders, further increasing the likelihood of being picked off, either by flak or fighters. Leipzig was cloud covered and sky-marking had to be used. Early bombing appeared to be concentrated but later bombing less so. 823 aircraft were involved, with 78 losses.
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| At the time of his death, his father was living at 92 Waterloo Road, Larne. His wife was living with her parents at 14 Waterloo Road, Larne.
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 15th April 1944: Cookstown Airman Believed Dead
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| News has been received through the International Red Cross that Sergeant Air Gunner Thomas Nelson, aged 23 years, reported missing since February, is now believed to have lost his life from operations over enemy territory. He is the elder son of Mr and the late Mrs Thomas Nelson of 92 Waterloo Road, Larne (formerly of Church Street, Cookstown). He joined the Royal Air Force in October 1938. Later he volunteered to fly with Bomber Command. His wife resides with her parents at 14 Waterloo Road, Larne.
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| Sergeant Nelson’s Halifax was shot down on 20th February 1944 by a night-fighter and crashed near Beedenbostel, NNE of Lachendorf, Germany. Only George Barrett survived. He became a prisoner of war.
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| 1945
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 24th February 1945:
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| NELSON – In loving memory of my dear son and our dear brother Tommie, Sergeant Air Gunner, Royal Air Force, killed on active service on 19-20th February 1944. Interred in Parish Cemetery, Beedenbostel, Celle, Hanover, Germany. Ever remembered by his loving father and all at 92 Waterloo Road, Larne.
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‘There is someone who misses you sadly
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And finds the time long since you went.
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There is someone who thinks of you daily
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But tries to be brave and content.’
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 24th February 1945:
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| NELSON – A tribute of love and remembrance of my dear brother Tommie, Sergeant Air Gunner, Royal Air Force, killed on active service. Interred at Hanover, Germany. Ever remembered by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Greta and John Glynn. ‘We loved too dearly to ever forget.’
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 24th February 1945:
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| NELSON – Cherished memories of my dear nephew, Sergeant Tommie Nelson, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force, killed in action 20th February 1944 and buried in Parish Cemetery, Beedenbostel, Celle, Hanover, Germany. ‘Absent, yet ever near’. Always rememberd by his auntie, E Scott, Moneymore Road, Cookstown.
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| Sergeant Thomas Nelson is buried at Hanover War Cemetery. The inscription on his grave reads ‘WORTHY OF EVERLASTING REMEMBRANCE’
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| Sergeant (Air Gunner) Thomas Nelson is commemorated on Cookstown Cenotaph.
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| The CWGC record Sergeant Thomas Nelson as the son of Thomas J and Sarah Nelson of Larne, County Antrim. He is also recorded as the husband of Mary Nelson.
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| Thomas was the nephew of Mrs E Scott, who lived at Moneymore Road, Cookstown.
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