Sgt William Smith was stationed at Redhill in Surrey with 457 Squadron and on May 9, 1942, his Spitfire helped escort a number of Boston bombers in a raid over northern France. On their return to England the squadron was attacked by up to 30 Fock-Wulf Fw 190s midway between Mardyck and Dover. Sgt Smith, who was 24 at the time, was last sighted at 20,000ft in combat with a number of Fw 190s.
An identification tag and charms belonging to the brave pilot are pictured
R.I.P. Bill.