Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Wing Commander

Unit:

No. 218 (Gold Coast) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

November 16th, 1945

Total hours flown on operations 105,10. and 23 missions carried out
Recommendation:
"Wing Commander Smith has completed 23 operational sorties against the enemy as a Flight and Squadron Commander, in Bomber Command. Among the heavily defended targets he has attacked are Cologne (2), Dortmund, Duisburg, Bremen and Dresden.
As Pilot and Captain of aircraft this Officer has displayed the highest degree of skill, determination and devotion to duty. He has on several occasions led Squadron and Base Formations with conspicuous ability and outstanding success. On one occasion he led the Group Formation.
When acting as Deputy Leader of the Group Formation in thr daylight attack of 28th January on Cologne, the three leading aircraft were hit by accurate heavy flak, three minutes before the point bomb release, two aircraft in the formation being shot down. His own aircraft sustained heavy flak damage which rendered the front turret and an item of special equipment unserviceable, damaged the airscrew lever quadrant, jamming the controls, and severely damaged the trimming controls beside the pilot's seat, rendering them unserviceable. In spite of this Wing Commander Smith, with superb courage and airmanship, completed his bombing run successfully and set course for Base, where he landed safely after temporary repaird had been effected with difficultt to the essential aircraft controls.
In his capacity as Squadron Commander, this Officer has displayed an equally high standard of determination, ability and devotion to duty. He has at all timed shown inflexible resolve in bringing his squadron to the highest pitch of operational efficiency and has Always insisted on the highest standard of discipline amongst his aircrew both in the air and on the ground.
The success attained by his squadron must be attributed in a large measure to his precept and example and to his insistence that for operations only the best is good enough, and this has been an important factor in the success of the many difficult opaerations carried out by his squadron.
All members of his squadron appreciate his outstanding contribution to the squadron's efforts and look up to him as a fine leader.
I wish to recommend Wing Commander Smith for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Date: 18th May, 1945
Remarks by the Base Commander:
His example and leadership, both in the air and on the ground, have maintained a high standards of efficiency throughout the Squadron.
Strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross."