Thomas Kaye was the son of Thomas Kaye (Analytical Chemist) and Helen Emily Limita Thomson of “Colintraive” 39 Queen Street, Craigie, Perth.

In June 1941, RAF 86 squadron started to re-equip with the Bristol Beaufort Mark I. Initially, they performed mine-laying, reconnaissance, and air-sea rescue patrols but in October 1941, they undertook torpedo training, leading to torpedo bomber operations commencing on 11 November 1941. 

Sergeant Thomas Kaye died, age 22, in an accident at RAF North Coates, Lincolnshire on 31 August 1941. He was the pilot of Bristol Beaufort Mk. I AW213 of RAF 86 Squadron attached to Coastal Command. Kaye was killed when his Beaufort crashed into a parked Lockheed Hudson of RAF 407 Squadron during take-off. 

Perthshire Advertiser. 3rd September 1941

“PERTH PILOT KILLED"

“Left University to Join R.A.F."

“Sergt.-Pilot Thomas Kaye, R.A.F., younger son of Mr Thomas Kaye, ‘Colintraive’ 39 Queen Street, Perth, is reported killed in an aircraft accident."

“Twenty-three years of age, Sgt.-Pilot Kaye was attached to Coastal Command."

“He was educated at Perth Academy, and went on to St. Andrews University, where his studies – he intended to take his B.Sc. – were interrupted by the war. He joined to R.A.F. in June of last year.”

Perthshire Advertiser, 6th September 1941

“INTIMATIONS"

“DEATHS" 

“KAYE-On 31st August, Sgt.-Pilot Thomas Kaye, 39 Queen Street, killed on active service."

Thomas Kaye is also commemorated in the University of St Andrews Roll of Honour.