William Herbert Glyn Thomas
The father of Martyn W G Thomas and grandfather of Alexander Thomas.
He was known as Glyn.
Born 1 November 1915 at 14 Water Street, Briton Ferry, Glamorgan; that street is now known as Ormond Street, Briton Ferry, Neath Port Talbot.
Glyn matriculated to Neath Boys Grammar School, Dwr-y-Felin, Neath leaving to work in at W. B. Trick, Son & Lloyd, a local Estate and Travel Agency.
W.B. Trick, Son & Lloyd (known as Tricks) was formed around 1871 by W.B Trick, who was an entrepreneur and politician. 'Tricks' held the license for livestock auctions in the town of Neath and practiced as real estate agents, which through selling chattels of emigrants to the 'New World' of the USA were appointed by the Cunard Steamship Company as ticket agents.
Glyn was to develop the travel agency of this business and in 1954 took over the business practicing a estate agents and travel agents. he developed the travel agency being responsible for it becoming fully licensed including IATA. ABTA and was sold to P & O Shipping Company in 1970.
Trick and Thomas until 1986. Father, Glyn, and son, Martyn, were also shareholers and directors of Clearway Travel in Morriston, Swansea 1973- 1978.
He was known as Glyn.
Born 1 November 1915 at 14 Water Street, Briton Ferry, Glamorgan; that street is now known as Ormond Street, Briton Ferry, Neath Port Talbot.
Glyn matriculated to Neath Boys Grammar School, Dwr-y-Felin, Neath leaving to work in at W. B. Trick, Son & Lloyd, a local Estate and Travel Agency.
W.B. Trick, Son & Lloyd (known as Tricks) was formed around 1871 by W.B Trick, who was an entrepreneur and politician. 'Tricks' held the license for livestock auctions in the town of Neath and practiced as real estate agents, which through selling chattels of emigrants to the 'New World' of the USA were appointed by the Cunard Steamship Company as ticket agents.
Glyn was to develop the travel agency of this business and in 1954 took over the business practicing a estate agents and travel agents. he developed the travel agency being responsible for it becoming fully licensed including IATA. ABTA and was sold to P & O Shipping Company in 1970.
Trick and Thomas until 1986. Father, Glyn, and son, Martyn, were also shareholers and directors of Clearway Travel in Morriston, Swansea 1973- 1978.
W.B.Trick, Glyn Thomas & Son
He continued as an estate agent with his son, Martyn, as W.B.Trick, Glyn Thomas & Son at Borough Chambers, 7 The Parade, Neath.
The building was built by W.B.Trick's son, George, and maintained the name Borough Chambers that reflected his father as a former mayor of the town.
The building was built by W.B.Trick's son, George, and maintained the name Borough Chambers that reflected his father as a former mayor of the town.
Trick & Thomas
In 1980 the business moved to Alfred Street, Neath and changed its name to Trick & Thomas.
RAF Service
During World War II he served in the Royal Air Force as an Observer (navigator), with his first operational flight as a student navigator on the first 1,000 bomber raid to Koln, Germany in 1942.
On the night of 30 May 1942 Glyn was a trainee navigator in Vickers Wellington X9606 departing RAF Morton in the Marsh at 23:13 for a 5 hour 45 minute flight; this first operational mission over Nazi Germany to Cologne as part of the first 1,000 bomber raid.
On the night of 30 May 1942 Glyn was a trainee navigator in Vickers Wellington X9606 departing RAF Morton in the Marsh at 23:13 for a 5 hour 45 minute flight; this first operational mission over Nazi Germany to Cologne as part of the first 1,000 bomber raid.
Log Book Entry for first operational flights over Nazi Germany in World War 2 as part of E flight 21 Operational Training Unit (OTU) RAF based at RAF Morton in the Marsh.
On completion of training he served on Vickers Wellington Bombers on 38 Squadron RAF in Egypt followed by conversion training to Consolidated B24 Liberator bombers in the Bahamas that led to him serving in 223 Squadron RAF at RAF Oulton as part of 100 Group RAF. 100 Group was formed to provide electronic warfare to the allied forces.
Family & Profession
Glyn married his wife Betty in 1941 at St Catherines church, Baglan, and had three children, Elisabeth, Lynne and Martyn. Betty passed away on 22 December 1990.
He was a Rotarian and member of the travel organisation, Skal and gained honours in his studies with the Valuers and Auctioneers Institute as well as MTAI (Member of the Travel Agents Institute).
Glyn passed away on 1 May 1992.
He was a Rotarian and member of the travel organisation, Skal and gained honours in his studies with the Valuers and Auctioneers Institute as well as MTAI (Member of the Travel Agents Institute).
Glyn passed away on 1 May 1992.