Distinguished Flying Cross with two bars: Captain Ross Macpherson Smith, Australian Flying Corps, AIF

Distingished Flying Cross (Geo V) with two bars. Unnamed as issued.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) awarded to Captain Ross Macpherson Smith on 25 July 1918 'For continued gallantry, skill and initiative, especially in the following instances: On the 11th July, 1918, after completing their offensive patrol, these officers [Smith and Lieutenant Walter Kirk] proceeded north to the enemy landing ground at Balata. Descending to 1500 feet, they proceeded to attack with machine gun fire, enemy hangar, camps and transport in the vicinity, also horse lines at NABLUS and troops in the courtyard of the barracks there, after which they proceeded south along the NABLUS-BIREH Road, attacking gun teams, horse transport and cavalry, causing much confusion. On the 9th July, 1918, these Officers descended to 2,000 feet over Jenin Aerodrome and after completing the photographic work required, attacked the enemy camp with machine gun fire. On the 21st June, 1918 and 1st July, 1918, similar attacks were made on enemy trains and troops from a very low altitude. Captain SMITH and Lieutenant KIRK have also been responsible for destroying two enemy machines during the last two months. The keenness and fine example set by these Officers in flying over the lines cannot be over-estimated.'

Smith was awarded two bars to his DFC on 8 February 1919. The citation for the first bar reads: 'During the operations prior to October 1918, he [Captain Smith] took part in numerous engagements involving flights of 150 to 200 miles and succeeded in doing extensive damage to the enemy's hangers, railways etc. Captain Smith displayed most consistent gallantry with marked ability in all his work, whether bombing by night or day or in personal encounters in the air. Whilst operating with the Sherrffian forces he destroyed one enemy machine and brought down two others out of control in the desert.'

His second bar was awarded 'For conspicuous gallantry and determination. On 19-10-18 this officer, with Lieut A V McCann as his observer, engaged a enemy two seater at 10,000 feet 25 miles SW of ALEPPO. He forced the machine down but it appeared to land intact. He therefore descended to a low height and attacked with machine gun fire forcing the occupants to abandon the machine. He then landed alongside the hostile machine, and while his observer covered the enemy officers he set light to their machine completely destroying it. He then continued his reconnaissance. To have affected a landing in unknown country many miles in rear of the enemy's advanced troops, in spite of the fact that the enemy pilot and observer were probably armed, demanded courage and skill of a very high order.'

Smith had enlisted in the AIF in August 1914. Initially serving in B Squadron, 3rd Light Horse Regiment as a sergeant, he was promoted to regimental sergeant major, and then commissioned 2nd lieutenant at Gallipoli in September 1915. In March 1916 he was promoted to lieutenant before being transferred to the 1st Light Horse Brigade Machine Gun Squadron a few months later. He was transferred to the Australian Flying Corps in October 1916 and promoted to captain in November 1917. In late 1918 he was detached from 1 Squadron AFC for special duty with the Royal Air Force in connection with a flight between Egypt and India. In early 1919 he reconnoitered a route between India and Australia and in July 1919 was attached to 31 Squadron RAF in India.

Smith was knighted in December 1919 for successfully flying from England to Australia within 30 days. His appointment with the AIF was terminated in May 1920. Sir Ross Smith was killed in England on 13 April 1922 when the Vickers Viking amphibian aircraft he was test flying spun into the ground from 305 metres. His body was repatriated to Australia and he is buried in the North Road Anglican cemetery, Adelaide.