Midshipman (A) Tattersall was on No. 3 Air Course at 20 ERFTS. He was Canadian, born in Vancouver, British Columbia.
He graduated from Gravesend and completed his advanced flying training at 1 SFTS Netheravon, being promoted to Acting Sub-Lieutenant (A) in January 1940. To HMS Merline for No.774 RN Squadron in 1940. To HMS Condor for No.767 RN Squadron in 1940. Promoted Lieutenant (A) in 1941. To HMS Landrail for No.766 RN Squadron in 1942. Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) - RN / FAA No. 766 RN Squadron at HMS Landrail - Awarded as per London Gazette of 28 April 1942.
His DSC citation reads: ""For sustained courage, skill and enterprise in many air operations by night and day, against the Enemy in the Mediterranean".
Promoted to Acting LCdr in
1943 and to HMS Saker for USNAS Lewiston, Maine in No.738 RN Squadron for
F.F.D. and training.
To USNAS Fort Lauderdale
as Resident British Naval Officer in 1944. Commanding Officer of No.744
RN Squadron at HMS Shrike in 1945.
To RNAS Burscough as Commanding
Officer of No.825 RN Squadron in late 1945. Loaned to Royal Canadian Navy
January 1946 and made the first
Commanding Officer of No.825
RCN Squadron from 24 January 1946 until 31 January 1947.
He was killed while flying
a Firefly off Portland Island about four miles north-east of RCAF Patricia
Bay where the squadron was stationed
while HMCS Warrior was in
drydock. Shortly after taking off on 31 January 1947, the plane was
seen having problems and an explosion was heard
in the direction the plane
had gone. Snowstorms hampered the search and no trace of the crew
of two (including Tattersall) was ever found.
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