Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar just posted the below:
“It is with deep regret that we learn of the death of Wing Commander Tom Neil DFC AFC AE. Though sadly he could never attend the veterans days held at the hangar, he knew and cared deeply for the work carried out by the Spitfire Restoration Company (Biggin Hill) Ltd. A true warrior of this country and of Malta. I personally saw him and spoke to him at the yearly Battle of Britain service at Westminster Abbey when he often escorted the RAF ‘Scroll of Honour’ in company with serving Officers to the high altar. A true gentleman, a great warrior. We will never forget. RIP.”
Thanks for everything, and RIP.
By: trumper - 22nd July 2018 at 11:41
🙁 R I P Brave man and THANK YOU .
By: 1batfastard - 16th July 2018 at 20:05
RIP Sir many thanks for your service for my today.
Geoff.
By: jack windsor - 16th July 2018 at 11:28
Echoing all of the above, thank you Sir, blue skies…
regards,
jack…
By: Arabella-Cox - 13th July 2018 at 23:44
Blue Skies Sir – and Thank You.
Richard
By: slicer - 13th July 2018 at 21:29
There was a fine obituary in the Telegraph today..what a true hero. And a fine author too, all his books are must reads. Like all of the Few he will be sadly missed and proudly remembered.
By: Rocketeer - 13th July 2018 at 19:31
Very sad. When we unveiled the memorial to J B Nicolson VC at Boscombe Down, Tom Ginger Neil came and unveiled it. He was a 249 Sqn Flt Cdr. This was 1990. He gave his time so freely and was very friendly to yours truly. Met him since on various occasions . Always cheery with a fine smile. In 1998 at the 30th anniversary of the BoBFilm, he gave a true account of the Battle that was compelling. His book Gunbutton to Fire is one of my favourite BoB first hand accounts. Bless you sir, Godspeed and hopes that you, your comrades and dear wife are reunited.
By: 91Regal - 13th July 2018 at 17:42
Thank you, Sir, and all your comrades.
By: D1566 - 12th July 2018 at 22:02
RIP.
Hero.
By: Ant.H - 12th July 2018 at 21:42
Very sad news, I never had the pleasure of meeting him but he always came across so well on TV and media, a proper old school hero. A very full life well lived.
RIP, and many thanks.
How few of The Few are still with us?
By: One of the Few - 12th July 2018 at 17:15
R.I.P. sir. Tom Neil was such a lovely gentleman. It is heartbreaking news. The Few are getting fewer. I hope that there is an afterlife and that Tom is now raising a glass with fellow pilots like Percy Burton, James Nicholson and Dennis Parnall.
By: TEXANTOMCAT - 12th July 2018 at 15:05
Sad news, Blue Skies sir. His books are an excellent read too.
TT
By: PeterVerney - 12th July 2018 at 14:49
A real hero. RIP
By: DazDaMan - 12th July 2018 at 14:23
Blue skies, Tom.
By: Old Towzer - 12th July 2018 at 13:04
So long Sir. A truly grateful nation will never forget you.
By: John Green - 12th July 2018 at 12:29
I had a vision of Wing Co. Tom Neil sitting at the long table in Valhalla joshing with the likes of Galland, Molders and Wick.
Thank you for all that you did during those dark but exciting days.
By: The Bump - 12th July 2018 at 11:46
This is very sad news.
I was only thinking about Tom on Tuesday during the televised RAF 100 celebrations and looking for him amongst the guests .
I was very lucky to meet Tom several times over the years and thoroughly recommend his books .
Rest in Peace
By: stuart gowans - 12th July 2018 at 11:43
Indeed a true gent, always came over as a thoroughly decent chap, unless as I suspect you were in front of him, in a continental type during 1940!
By: Trolly Aux - 12th July 2018 at 11:11
How sad RIP Sir I hope you are have a nice catch up with the others. A true hero of our time.
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July 12, 2018 at 11:09 am