Distinguished Flying Cross : Flying Officer C J L Smith, 455 Squadron RAAF

Distinguished Flying Cross. Engraved reverse lower arm with year of award.

Awarded to Flying Officer Charles Joseph Lewis Smith, 455 Squadron RAAF.

Smith was born at Melbourne, Victoria in 1916, and was working as a commercial traveller when he enlisted in the RAAF on 28 March 1941. After initial training he embarked for Britain from Sydney on 16 May 1942. Smith undertook further training with several Operational Training Units in Britain, eventually being posted to 455 Squadron in January 1944. He was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in April of the same year, and promoted to Flying Officer two months later.

Smith flew a total of 46 sorties with 455 Squadron, including 12 strikes on enemy convoys, harbours and naval vessels. He was recommended for the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), which was approved on 15 December 1944.

The citation for the DFC reads as follows: 'Pilot Officer SMITH has taken part in very many sorties including numerous attacks on enemy shipping.

In August, 1944, he took part in an attack on a well-defended enemy convoy and in the fight, he obtained a hit on a medium sized vessel which caught fire.

In September, 1944, he took part in attacks on shipping at Dan Helder [sic]. In the face of considerable anti-aircraft fire he attacked shore batteries and afterwards pressed home the attack on a minesweeper. Although the aircraft sustained damage, making it difficult to control, he flew it safely to base.

This officer has set a fine example of courage and tenacity.'

Smith served with his squadron until March 1945, when he was transferred to 132 Operational Training Unit as an instructor. He returned to Australia shortly afterwards, arriving in July of the same year. Smith was removed from the Active List of the RAAF in September 1945 and transferred to the Reserve. He served on in this capacity until being discharged in January 1953.

• 1939-45 Star : Flying Officer C J L Smith, 455 Squadron RAAF
• Atlantic Star : Flying Officer C J L Smith, 455 Squadron RAAF
• Defence Medal : Flying Officer C J L Smith, 455 Squadron RAAF
• British War Medal 1939-45 : Flying Officer C J L Smith, 455 Squadron RAAF
• Australia Service Medal : Flying Officer C J L Smith, 455 Squadron RAAF