The Association has learned of the death of Lt(A) James Monteith Threlkeld DSC RNVR on 8 September 2012 aged 91 years. He lived in Cambridgeshire.
From records
Observer with 815 Squadron in Swordfish and Barracuda aircraft.
After the war he qualified as a veterinary surgeon and worked for MAFF until his retirement at age 63.
DSC New Year’s Honours List, 1944 nominated by HMS Grebe (Dekheila, Alexandria)
From his daughter Jane Rothery
Lieutenant James Monteith Threlkeld , 23 May 1921 to 8 September 2012
James Threlkeld began his war career with the Fleet Air Arm in 1940 as an observer and stayed until 1945 when the war ended. He signed up as a young man on the verge of going to Veterinary College in London. This was postponed until after the war.
He served time in the Mediterranean, Egypt, Ceylon, and Trinidad and flew swordfish, becoming an instructor. In June 1942 he was part of the U boat sinking U652 with 815 squadron. No casualties reported. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross amongst other awards. This was presented to him by King George.
He left the FAA when the war ended to begin his veterinary studies, and married Lilian Payne, February 1945 in Manchester Cathedral. After qualifying as a Vet he worked in Bungay, Norfolk, and was settled with 2 daughters. Before long the Ministry of Agriculture beckoned and they moved to North Yorkshire where 2 further daughters were born. He spent his time there working as a farm vet and enjoyed it immensely. Moves to Edinburgh, Exeter and finally Cambridgeshire finished his career which had developed into more administrative work in the field of rabies, and other interesting topics. He retired in Duxford Cambridgeshire where he spent his time travelling, gardening and enjoying his by now large family.
He always related his time in the FAA as a happy one with many interesting tales of events and colleagues never forgotten. He kept in touch with his colleagues all his life. A reunion on VE Day in 1995 was joyful for him and in the presence of Prince Andrew.
At his funeral we played ‘Don’t fence me in’ which he said was played on a wind-up gramophone in the desert – early in the morning!