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Smitz, Alfred John

Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Servicenumber 78677, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

Promotions:
4th May 1940: Pilot Officer on probation;
26th March 1941: Pilot Officer;
4th May 1941: Flying Officer (War subs.)
8th May 1947: Squadron Leader (seniority 1st September 1945, and transferred to the Aircraft Control Branch on appointment).

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Flying Officer
Unit:
No. 57 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
September 2nd, 1941
Citation:
"In July, 1941, large-scale attacks were made on Gferman warships at Brest and La Pallice (including the "Gneisenau", "Scharnhorst" and "Prinz Eugen"). A smaller attack was made on Cherbourg. The operations were carried out in daylight and extremely heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition were encountered by all aircraft when approaching the targets, which at Brest was protected by a balloon barrage. The air crews engaged succeeded, nevertheless, in securing direct hits on their objectives and in inflicting very severe damage in the target area. During the combats with enemy fighters 21 hostile aircraft were destroyed and others were severely damaged. The precise timing of attack by the various formations of aircraft and their correct approach to and accurate bombing of the objectives in the face of such powerful opposition; demanded great skill and high courage. The great success of these operations was largely due to the bravery, determination and resource displayed by this officer, who participated member of the aircraft crew."

Published in The London Gazette, dated September 2nd, 1941.
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Sources

  • - The London Gazette of 14th May 1940, Issue 34849
    - The London Gazette of 25th June 1940, Issue 34881
    - The London Gazette of 27th June 1941, Issue 35203
    - The London Gazette of 2nd September 1941, Issue 35263
    - Supplement to The London Gazette of 20th June 1947, Issue 37993, dated 24th June 1947

Photo