Operation: Convoy Strike

Date: 20th June 1943 (Sunday)

Unit: No. 56 Squadron. 12 Group (motto: Quid si coelum ruat - 'What if heaven falls')

Type: Typhoon Ib

Serial: EK174

Code: US-C

Base: RAF Matlask, Norfolk

Location: English Channel

Pilot: Sq/Ldr. Thomas Henry Vincent Pheloung 40134 RAF Age 28. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

Taking off at 12:00 leading the squadron. Scrambled to intercept a convoy but they failed to find it. However, they did find a couple of minesweepers and two armed trawlers which they then attacked.

Immediately after the attack EK174 was seen to be streaming white smoke. Thomas called that his engine temperature had climbed to a level that he was sure he would not make it back to their base. He then climbed to 1200 ft and sent in his 'mayday'.

His No. 2 kept around watching for enemy fighters but when he turned around he saw the Typhoon in a steep diving turn at around 600 ft, just before it hit the sea. None of the squadron saw any parachute.

His body was later recovered by a German minesweeper and taken to Dunkirk where he was buried.

Above: Sq/Ldr. Thomas Pheloung shown in centre with others from 56 Squadron. (courtesy Michel Beckers)

On the 14th January 1943 made squadron commander following 26 year old, Sqn/Ldr. Anthony Collyer Johnston DFC (1). 80083 RAF being shot down by anti-aircraft fire in Typhoon R8876 US-M at 09:56 hrs. Taken PoW No. 166 and remaining in Stalag Luft Sagan until war end. Anthony Johnston survived the war and passed away on the 15th October 1986 in Wiltshire, England. Born on the 18th December 1917 in Cape Town, South Africa where he gained a B.Sc in 1939.

(1) DFC Citation LG 02nd February 1943:

'This officer has completed many softies, including a number of low level attacks on tugs, 3 of which he has sunk, barges, locomotives and other targets. in addition he has destroyed an enemy aircraft in combat. He is a first class leader and sets a fine example to all'.

Burial details:

Sq/Ldr. Thomas Henry Vincent Pheloung. Dunkirk Town Cemetery. Plot 2 Row 4 Grave 15. Born on the 31st August 1914 at Oamaru, the son of Thomas and Esther Pheloung (née Robinson), of Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand. Husband of Birgit L. Pheloung (née Nissen), of Fulham, London, England. Prior to service worked as paymaster/foreman for his fathers contracting business. He had completed 5 operational sorties with 485 squadron, but the number he completed whilst with 56 is not known.

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to the research by Errol Martyn and his publications: “For Your Tomorrow Vols. 1-3”, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Michel Beckers, Weekly News of New Zealand, other sources as quoted below:

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember them. - Laurence Binyon
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