Smith, Irving Stanley

Date of birth:: May 21st, 1917 (Invercargill/Southland, New Zealand)
Date of death:: February 16th, 2000 (Devon, Great Britain)
Service number:: 43048
Nationality:: New Zealander

Biography

Career:
Royal Air Force 151 Squadron
HQ Fighter Command
488 (NZ) Squadron
HQ 2 Group
487 (NZ) Squadron
13 OTU (as Chief Instructor)
Air HQ, Malta
Royal Air Force 56 Squadron (Commander -Jan 1950)
Tangmere ( Wing Commander -June? 1950)
Wattisham (Wing Commander - October 1950)
RAF, Church Fenton (Commander - January 1952)
HQ Fighter Command (Staff Duties - June 1953)
Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Virginia (exchange programme with USAF - January 1956)
HQ Tactical Air Command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia
OC RAF, Jever,Germany - August 1958
HQ, Signals Command - September 1961
National Defence College, Kingston, Ontario - July 1964

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Pilot Officer
Unit:: No. 151 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: March 7th, 1941

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Wing Commander
Unit:: No. 151 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: July 17th, 1942

Citation:
"One night in February, 1942, this officer accomplished excellent work during an engagement with hostile aircraft which attempted to attack a convoy. He destroyed 1 and damaged another of the reaiding aircraft. During a patrol one night in June 1942, Wing Commander Smith destroyed 2 and probably destroyed a third enemy aircraft. In all his combats, he has displayed great judgement, skill and courage. He is a most efficient flight commander and a fine leader."

Second DFC awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.