• A Mk Vb Spitfire similar to that flown by the RAAF in the European theatre during WWII. This particular aircraft was built as a Mk I and later modified to the Mk V standard. Circa 1942. Courtesy of the RAAF Heritage collection.
    A Mk Vb Spitfire similar to that flown by the RAAF in the European theatre during WWII. This particular aircraft was built as a Mk I and later modified to the Mk V standard. Circa 1942. Courtesy of the RAAF Heritage collection.
  • SGT W.J. Smith 400942, RAAF WWII Spitfire Pilot, killed in his Spitfire in France 09 May 42. (Courtesy of the RAAF Heritage collection)
    SGT W.J. Smith 400942, RAAF WWII Spitfire Pilot, killed in his Spitfire in France 09 May 42. (Courtesy of the RAAF Heritage collection)
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WARBIRDS: WWII RAAF Spitfire pilot identified

28 November 2011
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An RAAF Spitfire pilot who disappeared in France during WWII has been formally identified as Sergeant William James Smith.

The announcement was made yesterday by Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, after Sergeant Smith’s remains and the Spitfire were discovered buried underground last month by a film crew producing a WWII documentary in Hardifort, northern France. The film crew were searching for a Czech aircraft when they unexpectedly discovered human remains and stopped filming.

The find follows the discovery of another Spitfire, in the Orne River in northern France, in 2010 with the remains of Flight Lieutenant Henry ‘Lacy’ Smith, who was buried with full military honours in Normandy, France in 2011.
RAAF Spitfire pilot Sergeant William James Smith
CAPTION: SGT W.J. Smith 400942, RAAF WWII Spitfire Pilot, killed in his Spitfire in France 09 May 42. (Courtesy of the RAAF Heritage collection) 

Sergeant Smith was originally from Whittlesea, Victoria and was posted to RAAF Number 457 Squadron, which was attached to the Royal Air Force during WWII. Identification was based on official war records, including last known sightings of Sergeant Smith’s location, identification of the aircraft type and a number of personal artefacts, including RAAF uniform items and an Identification Disc inscribed with Sergeant Smith’s name and Identification Number.

“24-year-old Sergeant Smith was lost on operations on 9 May 1942,” Snowdon said. “457 Squadron had been escorting a bombing mission over enemy occupied territory to Bruges, Belgium. The squadron had engaged with approximately 20-25 FW190 aircraft on its homeward journey.

“Sergeant Smith was last seen by his Squadron near the coast of France engaged in a dogfight with an enemy aircraft at 20,000 feet over the English Channel.”

In the post operation report, the Commanding Officer noted that Sergeant Smith was a good and popular pilot, “whose quiet, calm way of going about his duties gave confidence to his fellow pilots. He had been recommended for his commission”.

Snowdon said Sergeant Smith will be reinterred at the nearest Commonwealth War Grave cemetery in France next year.


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