The Airmen's Stories - Sub/Lt. (FAA) F A Smith

Born on 24th June 1920 at Barrow-in-Furness, Francis Alan Smith was educated at the Sacred Heart Convent there and, after the family moved to Stowmarket, he went to the County Grammar School. After leaving he worked as a trainee with the Eastern Electricity Company. Smith joined the FAA on 3rd July 1939. He trained at HMS Frobisher and St Vincent and on 9th October went to 14 EFTS Castle Bromwich, moving to 7FTS, Peterborough on 11th December. Awarded his wings on 17th March 1940, Smith completed the course on 26th May and went on loan to the RAF in mid-June. He converted to Hurricanes at 7OTU, Hawarden and on 2nd July joined 145 Squadron at Tangmere.

On the 12th Smith overturned when attempting a forced-landing north-west of Ringwood during a patrol. The Humcane, N2703, was written off.

Smith was reported 'Missing' following a combat south of the Isle of Wight on 8th August 1940. His Hurricane, P3545, crashed into the sea.

He is remembered on the Fleet Air Arm Memorial at Lee-on-Solent.