Photo: James Pasby
The family headstone reads:
In loving memory
of
Flt. Sergt. Arthur Smith, R.A.F.V.R.
dearly loved son of
Mary and the late John Smith
who lost his life by enemy action
March 4th 1945, aged 28 years.
Also the above Mary Smith,
Died Dec. 10th. 1961 aged 83 years.
Abide with me.
Sgt. Smith was serving with 1651 HCU. He was a crew member of Lancaster III JB699 BS-f which took off from Woolfox Lodge on Operation Diversion, a diversionary force of 95 aircraft which was supporting the main operations. The aircraft was shot down near Cottesmore and all the crew were killed.
Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses Vol.8 Heavy Conversion Units and Miscellaneous Units, 1939-1947. W.R. Chorley; Midland Publishing; 2003 ISBN 1 85780 156 3
He was associated with the 1st Benton Scout Group.
John Arthur William Smith is remembered at Longbenton in L25.10, and in the Scout Roll of Honour 1939-1945.
