207922 Flt.Sgt. Walter Smith Royal Air Force 106 Sdq. from:Selby My Father, Walter Smith, originally signed up in 1941 and was sent to the Isle of Islay to train as an electrician. Whilst he enjoyed the summer, he was not keen to stay the winter in such a cold climate, so decided to volunteer for flying training instead. He did his air crew training in Bridlington in 1942 and qualified in early April 1943 as an air gunner. Originally based at Syerston, he then moved base to Metheringham.
He flew on 30 operations between August 1943 and April 1944. On his 30th and last operation on 27th April 1944, his report book confirms that, on the way back from Schweinfort, his Lancaster was intercepted by a night fighter whose fire set light to a fuel tank. One of the crew, Sgt. Jackson, got out onto the wing to try and put out the fire. He was later awarded the V.C. for his bravery. The remainder of the crew abandonded the plane, with all but two surviving. The captain of the plane 'Miff' Mifflin of course remained until last and was one of the two who did not survive, along with Flt. Sgt. Johnson. My Father insists that 'Miff' was the bravest amongst them all. My Father gave himself in to the Germans three days later and spent the rest of the war as a POW. I am a very proud daughter.
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