Anthony Pearson was born on 23 December 1922 in Chesterton, Cambridgeshire, the son of Uriah Pearson and Alice Millicent D Pearson (née Pillow). It is not clear when he had joined the Royal Navy or submarines but, by February 1949, he was a Leading Seaman serving in HMS TALLY HO.

On 26 February 1949, TALLY HO was alongside at Derry Quay, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, when he was found dead in the mess on board the submarine. Apparently he had committed suicide by shooting himself using one of the weapons carried on board and which had been locked in a rack in the mess. He had previously given two letters to one of his messmates to be posted later. He was found to have another letter in his pocket after his death. At the Inquest the coroner declined to read out the letters but noted that there had been some personal difficulties.

Anthony Pearson had married Margaret Targell in Cambridge in 1942 and there was a daughter. He was buried in Cambridge on 4 March 1949.

Northern Whig – Tuesday 1 March 1949

A verdict of suicide was returned at an inquest yesterday on Leading Seaman Anthony Christopher Pearson (28), married, of Vinery Road, Cambridge, who was found shot dead on board the submarine Tallyho at Londonderry Naval Base Saturday