Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.
| 22 Dec 2022 | |
| Heritage |
Bradfield remembers Bradfieldian Squadron Leader Christopher Dermot Salmond Smith DFC was an airman in the RAF during the Battle of Britain.
He studied at Bradfield from Sept 1930 to July 1934 and was in H house "The Close" where he was in the house Cricket XI as pictured above.
After graduating in July 1936 he was posted to the School of Air Navigation, Manston for a course. He joined 220 (GR) Squadron at Bircham Newton on 29th November 1936. Smith went to A&AEE Martlesham Heath on 1st June 1938.
He was involved with the development of airborne radar and for his service in that field he was awarded the DFC (gazetted 7th May 1940).
Smith joined 25 Squadron at North Weald on 20th September 1940 as a Flight Commander. In November 1941 he took command of 79 Squadron at Fairwood Common, Wales.
He was killed in action on 22nd December 1941 when his Hurricane IIB Z5255 was lost off the Saltee Islands, SE Ireland, possibly by return fire from a He115.
Smith was 25 and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, panel 28.
More about him and his family from the Battle of Britain London Monument shared by Edward McManus here
