Hi Folks, I’m Dave Leithead and I am researching F/Lt Thomas Leithead DFM.
Thomas was a Wireless Operator with 102 Squadron for only 7 weeks from 9th January 1944 until he was killed in action in the early hours of 26th February 1944.
I will be posting pleas for further information on Thomas, his crew and his aircraft LW331 DY-D in the Main Enquiries and Plane Talk sections.
When I retired three years ago I began research on LW331 with a view to building a “tribute” model. Any other Forum members built tribute models of 102 Sqn aircraft?
I have always had a keen interest in aircraft and was fortunate during the 1990’s to fly as a passenger on a regular basis with a pilot friend in his Cessna 150H, clocking up 170 hours. We never actually landed at Pocklington but overflew it on at least one occasion.
I have not yet been able to establish that Thomas and I share a common ancestry, although with such an unusual surname it would seem more than likely. Nevertheless, I am dedicated to honouring and keeping alive the memory of this brave man.
Huge thanks to Tom Wingham DFC and Chris Harper for the wonderful work they do.
Looking forward to sharing my research with you all, and hopefully a two way exchange of information.
Dave.