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Smith, Irving Stanley

    Date of birth:
    May 21st, 1917 (Invercargill/Southland, New Zealand)
    Date of death:
    February 16th, 2000 (Devon, Great Britain)
    Service number:
    43048
    Nationality:
    New Zealander (1907-1947, Dominion UK)

    Biography

    Career:
    Royal Air Force 151 Squadron
    HQ Fighter Command
    488 (NZ) Squadron
    HQ 2 Group
    487 (NZ) Squadron
    13 OTU (as Chief Instructor)
    Air HQ, Malta
    Royal Air Force 56 Squadron (Commander -Jan 1950)
    Tangmere ( Wing Commander -June? 1950)
    Wattisham (Wing Commander - October 1950)
    RAF, Church Fenton (Commander - January 1952)
    HQ Fighter Command (Staff Duties - June 1953)
    Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Virginia (exchange programme with USAF - January 1956)
    HQ Tactical Air Command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia
    OC RAF, Jever,Germany - August 1958
    HQ, Signals Command - September 1961
    National Defence College, Kingston, Ontario - July 1964

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    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Pilot Officer
    Unit:
    No. 151 Squadron, Royal Air Force
    Awarded on:
    March 7th, 1941
    Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Acting Wing Commander
    Unit:
    No. 151 Squadron, Royal Air Force
    Awarded on:
    July 17th, 1942
    Citation:
    "One night in February, 1942, this officer accomplished excellent work during an engagement with hostile aircraft which attempted to attack a convoy. He destroyed 1 and damaged another of the reaiding aircraft. During a patrol one night in June 1942, Wing Commander Smith destroyed 2 and probably destroyed a third enemy aircraft. In all his combats, he has displayed great judgement, skill and courage. He is a most efficient flight commander and a fine leader."

    Second DFC awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
    Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Acting Wing Commander
    Awarded on:
    January 1st, 1946
    Mentioned in Dispatches
    Rank:
    Acting Wing Commander
    Awarded on:
    June 5th, 1952
    Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
    Rank:
    Group Captain
    Awarded on:
    January 10th, 1961

    On the occasion of the Celebration of Queen Elizabeth II Birthday.
    Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

    Sources

    Photo