GROUPS AND SINGLE DECORATIONS FOR GALLANTRY
The Squadron approached the battle fleet on the port quarter, squadron being echeloned to port by sub-flights. At a distance of about 10 miles the destroyer screen could be seen circling around the battle cruiser on a radius of about 1,500 yards, the one M.T.B. going out ahead. As the leading aircraft commenced a preliminary dive from 6,000ft. from a distance of 5 miles the battle fleet opened up a long range barrage and the battle cruiser commenced to turn to starboard. The battle cruiser was also firing from her after turrets. At 4,500ft. an intense anti-aircraft and pom-pom barrage was put up and continued throughout the action. The battle cruiser was observed to stop turning to starboard and commence a sharp turn to port which she maintained. The destroyer screen attempted to distribute themselves on either beam of the battle cruiser, the M.T.B. still going ahead....
Leader’s aircraft reported a close miss amidships on port side of battle cruiser at a distance of 5 to 10 yards. One aircraft of the second sub-flight reported one hit and possibly two on the stern. One aircraft of the third sub-flight reported one hit on the bow about the second gun turret.....
As Leader’s sub-flight broke away and before they reform formation they were engaged by 3 M.E. 109. Leader’s aircraft was attacked on the port beam by one M.E. 109 which came in on the same level in a skidding turn. The enemy turned away astern and as he turned away he was shot down in flames by the Leader’s Air Gunner [LAC Begbie]. A second M.E. 109 which had been attacking No. 3 of the Leader’s sub-flight passed over the leader’s aircraft and went straight ahead and was fired at by the pilot. His engine was seen to stop and then pick up again as he turned away to port. It is thought that this M.E. 109 was also damaged....’
Smith’s navigator was wounded, and his aircraft returned to base having had it’s starboard aileron control shot away. He continued to carry out offensive patrols, now from Wick, until 26 October 1940. On the latter date Smith lead a formation of three Beauforts on an offensive patrol, they ‘attacked a transport vessel in mouth of Aspo Fjord [Norway]. Torpedoed the vessel, attacked by M.E. 109s and failed to report to base.’ (Squadron Operations Book refers)
One of Smith’s crew drowned, whilst he and the remainder were taken prisoner of war. Smith was interned at Stalag Luft III (Sagan and Belaria) for the remainder of the war. He advanced to Wing Commander in October 1946, and served in a variety of Staff positions after the war including at AHQ Singapore 1953 - 1954. Smith retired 3 August 1956.
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