Thomson C.W.H.

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Biografie:
C. W. H. Thomson 1914-69
Wing Commander 'Tommy' Thomson died at his home at Oakley, Diss, Norfolk, in February 1969 at the age of fifty-four. His early death was a profound shock to his many close friends, particularly because of his fund of good humour, strength and courage, and his eagerness to live life to the full. It seemed impossible that he should die so young.
He was born and educated in Stratford, New Zealand, and made many ascents in his local mountains as a mountaineer, including the first ski descent of the East face of Mount Egmont. He came to this country in 1939 to join the R.A.F. as a pilot officer, serving in various commands, including Coastal Command, where he was mentioned in despatches in 1940. He took part in the first east! west winter Atlantic crossing, and subsequently made history in 1942 by helping to tow a glider across the Atlantic-a feat never done before or since which earned him the King's Commendation for service in the air. On retiring from the R.A.F. after twenty years as a serving officer, he ultimately settled in this country in Norfolk, to plant a commercial apple orchard.
It is difficult to portray adequately his considerable mountaineering experience. It will suffice that he climbed frequently in New Zealand, in all the main climbing districts in the British Isles, in Canada, Newfoundland, Labrador, Greenland and Iceland, Malta and Sicily. Climbing in India, included one three-week trek in Sikkim with his wife. In Switzerland around the Zermatt area, and in the Engadine. His last great expedition was in 1964, when he traversed the Aiguille de Bionnassay, Mont Blanc, Mont Blanc du Tacul, and Mont Maudit. He had also done Mont Blanc via the Col de la Fourche and the Old Brenva, returning by the same route in a blizzard.
He was a very fine rock climber, including leading up to VS standard, but he seemed to be equally capable on snow or ice, and he was an excellent route finder. Most of his expeditions were guideless, and it always appeared that if he were not climbing in the mountains, he was ski-ing, almost entirely as a ski mountaineer. He was also a member of the Climbers' Club and a very active member of the Midland Association of Mountaineers. Apart from this, he managed also to be competent in sailing small boats, and a very good light aircraft pilot.
He leaves a widow, Betty, and three sons-and a sense of loss in the minds of all his friends.
L. R. Pepper
Quelle: Alpine Journal Volume 75, 1970, Seite 338


Geboren am:
1914
Gestorben am:
02.1969