Died
14 February 1943 Aged 22 years
Born
1921
Sources
Barrow News
Various aviation websites listed
Place
Walks
Themes
LAC Eric Smith
RAFVR
From CWGC
Age: 22
Cemetery: WALNEY ISLAND (ST. MARY) CHURCHYARD Sec. C. Grave 80.
Additional Information: Son of George and Mary Hannah Smith, of Walney Island, Barrow-in-Furness.
Newspaper source: Barrow News 20 February 1943
From Wikipedia History: The squadron was formed as No. 406 Squadron RCAF at RAF Acklington on 5 May 1941, as part of No. 12 Group of Fighter Command to operate as night fighters. The squadron was equipped with Blenheim Mk.IF heavy fighters, re-equipping with the improved Beaufighter Mk.IIF the next month. They operated out of several airfields in the United Kingdom, changing to the Beaufighter Mk.VIF in mid-1942, and receiving the Mosquito Mk.XII night-fighter during April 1944. They upgraded to the Mosquito Mk.XXX in July 1944, and operated this aircraft for the remainder of the war. In November 1944 it was renamed No. 406 (Intruder) Squadron to carry out daylight offensive operations over mainland Europe. In June 1945 the squadron was posted to RAF Predannack in Cornwall, where it disbanded in August 1945.
From another source I discovered: Killed on active service: LAC Eric SMITH - 993113 - 406 Sqn (Middle Wallop, Hampshire), and F/O (Pilot) Andrew V.S. WILSON - 119158. Death registered in Winchester. The thread suggests they were on a training course when they crashed in Wales. http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/showthread.php?7904-430214-Unaccounted-airwoman-and-airmen-14-2-1943
Flying Officer Andrew Victor Sproule Wilson was with 41 Operational Training Unit on 14th February 1942 (sic) when he was flying North American Mustang AG400. Whilst heading for R.A.F. Hawarden he crashed into Flintshire's highest hill - Moel Famau. There is a photo of his grave at Drumbeg Church, N Ireland on this website, towards the end.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/406_Maritime_Operational_Training_Squadron
