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OBITUARY

Born 1922 - Died August 2012.

Like so many service personnel who served during the war Thomas spoke very little about what he did to his family. Since he died, his son uncovered several photographs and of course his log book.

Left: Thomas Vivian Smith

We are placing some images in order that others maybe able to fill the gaps he left and perhaps identify some of the photographs or the names / descriptions mentioned on this page.

Attended gunnery course at R.A.F. Penrhos between 19th June 1943 - 31st July 1943.

Trained on Mitchells at R.A.F. Finmere in Buckingham from 18th February 1944 - 16th July 1944. Then stationed at R.A.F. Swanton Morley, Norfolk until October 1944. Then to Vitry, France for combat ops. In April ’45 moved to Gilze Rijen, Holland until the end of the war.

After the war he worked as a bread salesman with a local bakery called Hopkin Morgan and worked his way up to Manager. It later was taken over by Mother’s Pride.

He managed a Mother’s Pride bakery in Bridgend, South Wales for about 4 years and moved back to Pontypridd where he continued with Mother’s Pride, later joining Western Power.

Thomas's main joy during his retirement was his garden. 

Right: Thomas Vivian Smith, chap on left unknown - are you able to assist with this and any of the other photographs? (courtesy Wayne Smith)

Thomas Vivian Smith on top of the Miles Martinet - can you identify any others?

Names of some of the pilots he flew with during his service:

226 Squadron 1944 - 1945

Fl/Lt. Copeland B-25J Mitchell FW245, HD304, FW217, FW174, HD384, HD381, FV950, HD355, KJ572, KJ571, HD382, HD355,

Fl/Sgt. Wraith B-25J Mitchell HD304

F/O. Conchie B-25J Mitchell HD304

F/O. Thomas Stirling

Fl/Lt. Rimell B-25J Mitchell KJ667

Mitchell HD382 - Destroyed on ground during German air raid at Brussel/Melsbrook, 1st January 1945.

Mitchell HD304 - Struck off charge May 31st 1945

Mitchell FW174 - Struck off charge September 27th 1945

Mitchell KJ667 - Struck off charge December 26th 1946

Mitchell FW245 - Struck off charge June 5th 1947

Mitchell KJ571 - Struck off charge June 6th 1947

Mitchell KJ572 - Struck off charge June 6th 1947

Information and photographs supplied by Wayne Smith, his son. He would like to hear from anyone who is able to provide any further information - contact us in the first instance and we will put you in touch. (Subject to permission of course) 

Photographs are available in a higher definition if you feel you are able to assist.