Smith, Edwin
Personal Information
Rank | Sgt |
Forename(s) | Edwin |
Surname | Smith |
Gender | M |
Age | 27 |
Decorations | |
Date of Death | 20-12-1943 |
Next of Kin | Son of Russell Smith and Lillie M. Smith of London, Ontario, Canada. |
Aircraft Information
Aircraft | Handley Page Halifax II |
Serial Number | JD474 |
Markings | ZA-R |
Memorial Information
Burial/Memorial Country | Germany |
Burial/Memorial Place | Rheinberg War Cemetery |
Grave Reference | Coll. grave 9. H. 1-5. |
Epitaph |
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase | 2 |
Panel Number | 243 |
Enlistment Information
Service Number | R/51480 |
Service | Royal Canadian Air Force |
Group | 4 |
Squadron | 10 |
Trade | Air Gunner |
Country of Origin | Canada |
Other Memorials
Location | Edwin Smith Lake, Manitoba; 25km SW of the Wapusk National Park boundary |
Country | Canada |
Memorial Type | Lake |
Memorial Text |
Location | Melbourne, East Yorkshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Brick Memorial Stone & Plaque |
Memorial Text | No 10 Squadron, 4 Group Bomber Command, WWII 1939-1945. This memorial was erected at the entrance to the former RAF Station Melbourne by ex Members and Friends of the Squadron to honour the memory of all personnel who died in the service of their Country |
Location | Melbourne Airfield, East Yorkshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Inscribed Runway Light in Concrete Base |
Memorial Text | Let this landing light be a memorial to all those 1,000 aircrew and 120 aircraft that left this very point never to return so that we may return again and again in freedom to enjoy York Motor Sport Park |
Miscellaneous Information
Edwin was born on 30 January 1916 at Exeter, Ontario. His father was deceased by the time of Edwin's enlistment. He attended Rectory Street Public school (grade 8) and then two years at Sir Adam Beck, London , Ontario and a further two years at London Technical school, specialising in Motor Mechanics. He enjoyed most sports and occasionally boxing. Edwin worked at London Farmer’s Dairy as a milk salesman for four years during 1934-1938. He also spent a few months as a farm hand in 1939 as well as a spell as a mechanic for Archie Robins & Sons at Brandon, Manitoba. His occupation is shown as a motor mechanic. He was separated from his wife Angela whom he had married on 15 December 1936. |
He enlisted on 6 November 1939 and after training was posted to the U.K. He embarked from Halifax on 23 June 1943, arriving at 3PRC on 2 July 1943. He then went to 20 OTU 9 July 1943, 1658 CU 17 September 1943 and 10 Squadron on 22 November 1943. Edwin sadly lost his life on 20 December 1943. |
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
Record of Events (Operational Record Book) AIR 27/144/24 |
Summary of Events (Operational Record Book) AIR 27/144/23 |
Fellow Servicemen
Last Operation Information
Start Date | 20-12-1943 |
End Date | 21-12-1943 |
Takeoff Station | Melbourne |
Day/Night Raid | Night (39% moon) |
Operation | Frankfurt. 650 aircraft, 41 losses (6.3%). The German controllers were able to accurately plot the route as soon as the main force left the English coast and were therefore able to deploy night-fighters at many points along its route. A diversionary raid on Mannheim failed to draw off many fighters until the main raid was over. The target was mainly cloud covered whereas the forecast had predicted clear conditions. Marking did not, therefore, go to plan. The Germans used both decoy fires and also decoy target indicator. By a twist of good fortune, considerable creepback resulted in the bombing coming back over the city. Many public and municipal buildings were hit including many schools. 23000 people were bombed out of their homes. |
Reason for Loss |