Bernard Hugh Smith

Rank:SergeantNumber:1576645
Ship/Rgn/Sqn No:Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Died:20/04/1944Age:22
How Died:Killed in Action
Country of burial:Lost OverseasGrave Photo:Yes
Cemetery or Memorial:Runnymede Memorial
Town Memorial:Not Listed
Extra Information:
Attended Navigation Rd School, Broadheath.   A member of the Broadheath
Rover Scouts.    Employed by I. & R. Morleys Woolen Mercahnts of London,
where he was a member of the firms fire brigade, serving during the London
Blitz.   

Joined the RAF in November 1941 and gained his wings early in 1943.  
Wireless Op/Air Gunner.

In the autumn of 1943 his aircraft crashed in fog and after rescuing a
member of the crew whose legs were pinioned by the wreckage, he would still
not leave the stricken aircraft until all hope of saving the pilot was
lost.

His Air Crew Captain paid tribute to him,saying. "The rest of us feel that
he did a brave thing and that we owe our lives to his action.    It was a
long navigational exercise over the Atlantic.   We were returning home,
when our starboard engine failed.   We struggled on for a short time whilst
Bernard sent out SOS messages, which eventually led to our rescue.   I told
the crew to stand by for ditching the aircraft, but no-one saw Bernard.  
It is my opinion that he sat at his position to the end, to make sure that
our position was known". 

Listed on Vicar's typed list.
Memorials found on:
St. Alban's (Broadheath)
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