The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. A D Smith

Arthur Dumbell Smith was born on 3rd April 1918 in Forest Gate, London, the son of Charles Henry Smith (1891-1920) and Constance Isobel Smith (nee Dumbell 1895-1973).

He attended Drapers School before joining the RAF in January 1936 as a Direct-Entry Airman u/t Pilot.

On 24th November 1937 Smith was aloft in Gloster Gauntlet II K7871 of 66 Squadron when it was struck by Gauntlet K7849 above Royston. Smith baled out safely, injuring his knee on landing but P/O Leonard Melville Beavis in K7849 was killed.

Smith married Doris Agnes Mary Pike (1918-1963) in July 1939 on the Isle of Sheppey.

By July 1940 he was serving with 66 Squadron at Coltishall.

On 24th July, on a convoy patrol, he came down in the sea in Spitfire N3041, cause unknown, but escaped unhurt.

On 30th August Smith shared in destroying Do215 G2+JH of 4/Aufkl.Gr. off the Norfolk coast.

In combat over Ashford on 4th September Smith was shot down in Spitfire I N3048 and baled out. Badly wounded, he was taken to No. 7 Casualty Clearing station at Benenden but died from his wounds two days later. His Spitfire came down near Mersham.

Smith was 22 years old and is buried in St Luke's Churchyard, Whyteleafe, near Kenley.