Victor Smith was born in 1915. When and where is not known at this time. he was the son of Percy Robert and Martha Smith.

Not much is known about Victore. He joined the Royal Air Force and became a fighter pilot with 3 Squadron, a night fighter squadron flying with Hurricanes.

On 30 January 1943, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. His citation reads: " Pilot Officer Victor SMITH (128365), Royal Air Force
Volunteer Reserve, No. 3 Squadron. This officer has completed 29 sorties over enemy territory at night, often in adverse weather. During these operations he has attacked an antiaircraft gun post, a railway station and buildings and a convoy of motor vehicles, raking them with machine gun fire. He 'has displayed great courage, skill and keenness."

After his tour with 3 Squadron, he joined 198 Squadron which was operating with Typhoon fighter-bombers.

198 Squadron

Royal Air Force

On 20 December 1943, 198 Squadron was tasked with a bomber escort mission of American bombers attacking the German city of Bremen. Returning from support and escort sweep duties on the morning of 20th December 1943 , FL Smith's aircraft (JP316) developed engine failure. He was killed when he crashed into the bank of the river Waal about half a mile north of Dreumel, Holland, at 10.40 hrs.

FL Smith was buried as "Unknown Airman" on the 23rd of December 1943 in what was then known as the Municipal Cemetery, Uden, Holland. It is believed his remains were not positively identified until the summer of 1946.

Fl Victor Smith is buired at Uden War Cemetery, grave 5. C. 3.

Uden, The Netherlands

See also:

All Casualties of 198 Squadron buried in The Netherlands

Acknowledgements:
Picture of F> Smith courtesy of Mr John Cripss of the 198 Squadron website
Dreumel in WWII Website

Directions to Uden War Cemetery

Posted 8 September 2009


If you have any suggestions, comments or additional information, please contact me.

This website is dedicated to the men and women who died and/or are buried in The Netherlands during World War II.

 

Home | Search | Research | About