Tim Thorn

85 Entry (A Sqn) 

On completion of Advanced Flying Training, “Tiger” Thorn was specially selected to become one of the first RAF pilots to become a flying instructor straight out of training before starting his succession of Fighter Squadron tours in earnest from January 1968. Tim started with four Hunter tours 8 Sqn (Muharraq), 4 Sqn and 2(AC) Sqn (Gutersloh) and 234 (R) Sqn (Chivenor).

On promotion to Sqn Ldr he turned down the opportunity to become HM The Queen’s Equerry and commenced an exchange tour with the British Army, joining the Parachute Brigade Headquarters where he completed over 110 parachute jumps. Tim won the Bobsleigh Bronze medal at the 1968 Olympics and was President of the RAF Winter Sports Association, appearing at important bobsleigh races to support the RAF Team.

After a year studying at the Indian Defence Services Staff College he returned to flying duties on Jaguar aircraft, first as a Deputy OC 41 (Fighter) Sqn (Coltishall). Promoted to Wing Commander in July 1979, he completed the 6-month Air Warfare Course at the RAF College, Cranwell, before taking command of No II (AC) Sqn (Laarbruch) flying the Jaguar. In January 1986, after three years in the MOD, he was promoted to Group Captain and took command of RAF Cranwell but was once again short-toured responsible for RAF Flying Training and the Red Arrows.

Promoted to Air rank, he attended the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) before proceeding to Germany for the fourth time as the Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) HQ RAF Germany, with particular responsibility for organising RAF Germany’s contribution to the Gulf War.

Andrew Pooley, then a PI, recalls: “I was OC the Laarbruch Flying Club and previously only aircrew were “allowed” to run the club. The SASO rang me out of the blue and said “If you need any ‘top cover’ just call me”. A gesture highly appreciated when keeping the club flying and organising its international rallies. Typical Tim.”