Nathan was born on 28 October 1916 in Mile End, London to Jack and Yetta nee Davis and had two younger siblings Hilda and Charles. Their father Jack worked as a clock and watch repairer. In 1939 Nathan was working as a manager and salesman in a menswear shop.

Nathan was the pilot of Halifax HR689 which departed from RAF St Eval at 04.30 hours for an operational sortie. Shortly after becoming airborne a thud was heard and the aircraft was seen to lurch violently but continued to remain airborne and completed the circuit at low altitude. While attempting to land the aircraft stalled just off the runway. It was later found that the aircraft had struck the fin and rudder of a B.17 with its port outer airscrew and probably smashed completely two blades. Just before the aircraft stalled while attempting to land, it was noticed that one of the port engines was on fire.

All the crew were killed:

W/Op, Stanley Alexander Christie, RCAF J/17389

W/Op, Francis Harold Griffiths, 1253396

Pilot, Arthur Hodgson, 119292

Pilot, Nathan Lubin

W/Op, Garnett Eugene Taggart, RCAF R/86212

F/E, Harry Davey Vesey, RCAF R/86516

Nav, William Vernon Godwin Yeulett, RCAF J/11187