Thomas Sheehan – Royal Air Force, 98 Squadron

 Sergeant Thomas Sheehan – Royal Air Force, 98 Squadron

Early Life and Family Background

Thomas Sheehan

Thomas Sheehan was born in 1920 in Swansea, the son of Thomas Sheehan and Mary Ann Hope.

1921 Census

The 1921 Census records the family living at 23 Middle Road, Cwmbwrla, Swansea. Thomas, aged 35, was employed as a Police Constable by the Watch Committee, Swansea, while his Kent‑born wife Mary Ann, aged 32, undertook household duties. Their children were Henry (6) and Fanny (5), both attending school, along with John (3) and Thomas (1).

Mitchel II

RAF Service – 98 Squadron

Thomas enlisted in the Royal Air Force, serving with 98 Squadron and rising to the rank of Sergeant. The squadron operated Mitchell II medium bombers from RAF Dunsfold, Surrey, flying tactical missions during the Second World War.

Killed in Action – 20 April 1944

On 20 April 1944, Sergeant Sheehan was killed in action when his Mitchell II crashed four miles southwest of RAF Dunsfold shortly after take‑off for a raid. The aircraft came down during the initial climb, resulting in the loss of the crew.

Thomas Sheehan
St. Peter's Church, Cockett
credit - findagrave

Burial

Thomas’s body was brought home to Swansea and laid to rest at St Peters, where he is remembered among the parish’s wartime dead.

Newspaper Report – Herald of Wales

The Herald of Wales reported his death under the headline “Cwmbwrla Airman Killed.” The article described Thomas as the son of ex‑Constable T. Sheehan and Mrs Sheehan of Cave Street, Cwmbwrla. He grew up in the Manselton and Cwmbwrla districts and attended Manselton School, where he was remembered as a capable and well‑liked pupil.

The Sheehan family had a strong tradition of military service: two of Thomas’s brothers served in the Royal Navy, one stationed in the Far East during the war.

Before joining the RAF, Thomas worked at the Supermarine Works, closely associated with aircraft production — including the iconic Spitfire. His civilian work and later military service formed a continuous contribution to Britain’s air defence.

His death brought deep sorrow to the Cwmbwrla community, where he had lived, worked, and grown up.