Service number:

39345

Nationality:

British

James Smalley was stationed at No. 9 Squadron and flew a anti-shipping sweep on the first day of the war, September 3th, 1939.

In September 1940 he was posted to the Photographic Reconnaissance Unit at Heston. He flew his first op as a second pilot in a Hudson on the 15th September 1940, with an op to Calais and Dunkirk in a Spitfire on the 5th October 1940.

On the 8th October again in Spitfire he flew a trip to Kiel but on his way to the target, his aircraft experienced a technical problem. Setting course to base, he was probably attacked by an enemy fighter over Groningen. Although injured he managed to bail out. On the ground a local doctor tended his wounds but they were bought caught when the Germans raided the house they were in.
Smalley finally finished in Stalag Luft 3 the camp from which the Great Escape was made. Here he made two attempts to qualify for repatriation on the ground of "persecution Mania", declined the first time, he tried a second time and was repatriated in February 1945. He was finally released from the RAF in April 1946.

Promotions:
December 21st, 1936: Acting Pilot Officer (probation)
October 12th, 1937: Pilot Officer
July 12th, 1939: Flying Officer
September 3th, 1940: Flight Lieutenant

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Flight Lieutenant

Awarded on:

July 30th, 1940

Recommendation:
“Flying Officer Smalley until recently the Captain of No.2 Aircraft in B Flight, is now No.5 Section Leader. Flying Officer Smalley has been a member of this Squadron since August 1937 and sine the outbreak of the War has been engaged in every type of operation undertaken by the Squadron. He has always shown the greatest determination in reaching his objective and in pressing home attack. In two recent raids over enemy occupied territory in France and Belgium, in spite of severe enemy opposition, he brought his aircraft down to under 1,000 feet in order to locate the target, which he attacked with success. His aircraft has several times been damaged by enemy AA fire and on one occasion his rear gunner was wounded. His courage has always been of the very high order, and the example he has set is deserving of the greatest praise.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

• - The London Gazette Issue 34910 published on the 30 July 1940
  - Buywyze
  - 12 O'Clock High
  - RAF Commands 1939-1945