Thomas Alexander Talbot was born in Wellington, Ontario, Canada, on 16th February 1896. The youngest of seven children, he was one of two sons to Thomas and Jean Talbot. To avoid any confusion with his father, he was known by his middle name.
Before Joining the forces of the empire, Alex. Talbot was a student for three years at the University of Alberta. At the time of enlistment he was a student at law with A. G. MacKay, KC. He was well known in Edmonton and always took an active part in all sports connected with the university.
[Edmonton Journal: June 1918]
When war broke out, Alexander was keen to play his part. He enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps in 1917, although as his service records no longer exist, the above newspaper expands on his military career: “He trained at Camp Mohawk, ON., and after receiving his commission was instructor at Camp Borden, later going in the same capacity to Fort Worth, Texas. In February last he went overseas where he was a most efficient and painstaking officer and gained promotion rapidly.”
By the spring of 1918, he had gained a commission in the Royal Flying Corps and was based in East Boldre, Hampshire.
On 3rd June, Lieutenant Talbot was piloting a Sopwith Camel, when the engine stalled. The RAF Casualty Card noted: “The cause of the accident was in our opinion due to the choking of engine after being opened out following an overshooting in landing and stalling in turn and spinning to earth owing to an error of judgement on the part of the pilot.”
Lieutenant Alexander Talbot was killed in the aircraft crash. He was 22 years of age. His body was laid to rest in the graveyard of St Mary’s Church in East Boldre, not far from the airfield which he called home.
Death and Service 