Key Information
Name: Thomas Wilfred Elder
DoB:
Regt: Navigator with 97 Squadron (pathfinder)
DoD:
29th January 1944 aged 23
Commemorated: Runneymede Memorial Panel 217
Academic Career: CGS 1932-37
Other:
Biographical Information
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Family Background:
Wilf was the son of a police constable, William John and Jane Victoria Isobel Elder, of Longtown. He grew up living at the Police Station, Mossband, Gretna.
Less than eight weeks before Wilf died, his brother Sidney, also in the RAF as a wireless operator and air gunner, was killed when his aeroplane was in collision with another bomber coming into land at Pocklington, York. A third brother, William, who served as ground crew, survived the war, but the boys’ mother and sister never recovered from their loss.
Wilf was married to Gladys Peel of Gildersome, Yorkshire (reported in the Carliol as being of Llanwrtyd Wells) on 23rd October 1943 in Llanwrtyd Wells. He had been married just before and his brother Sidney and Sidney Tweddle were both ushers at the wedding. William was best man.
Later his wife gave birth to a baby boy.