Charles Smith Dambuster ferry pilot RIP

Kyt · Sep 18, 2008

Derby teacher who flew Dambusters bomber has died, aged 95

A FORMER pilot who delivered one of the Lancaster bombers used during the historic Dambuster raids of the Second World War has died, aged 95.

Charles Smith spent 17 years working as a fitter and then a test pilot in the RAF, during which time he flew 70 different planes.

He was also well known for his work as a teacher in Derby, with stints at Allenton School, Central School, in Darley Abbey, and Henry Cavendish School, in Breadsall Hilltop.

Originally from Scunthorpe, Charles joined the RAF in 1929 and was assigned to the Air Transport Auxiliary.

The service was set up to fly planes from factories or workshops to squadrons stationed at airfields across the country and the pilots had to become apt at flying many different types of planes.
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One of the most notable moments of Mr Smith's time in the ATA was in April 1943 when he was asked to fly an Avro Lancaster bomber to RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire.

Charles noticed the plane's serial number ended in the letter G, which indicated that it must be guarded at all times.

Looking underneath the aircraft he also noticed that the bomb doors, which would normally close tight, had two braces stuck out.

This new design was to allow the special cylindrical bombs, known as Upkeep bouncing bombs and designed by Ripley-born Barnes Wallis, to be inserted into the aircraft.

The planes were later used to destroy two German dams during the 1943 Dambuster raids.

After leaving the RAF in 1946, Charles moved to Derby and began teaching technical drawing at Allenton School before going on to Central and Henry Cavendish schools.

He had always enjoyed drawing and would make sketches of all the planes he flew during his RAF career – many of which his widow, Dorothy, still has.

The couple met in 1965 and were married the following year.

Charles's stepdaughter, Anthea Peters, said: "My step-father was very well known in Derby due to his time working as a teacher.

"He would often be stopped in the street by former pupils and enjoyed his job as he was able to use his love of drawing.

"I was never taught by him but I imagine he would have been very strict but fair as well."

The 60-year-old described her stepfather as a keen gardener with an interest in all things historical, especially those related to the Second World War.

She said: "He was a member of the Rolls-Royce Heritage Club and, if asked, would give talks about his experiences as a pilot during the war.

"He was a very educated and knowledgeable man and was always keen to learn more about the world."

Charles was also a regular member of the Elim men's group at Derby City Church, in Curzon Street, and the Ashbourne Road Methodist Church.

He died last Friday at Derbyshire Royal Infirmary.

As well as Dorothy and Anthea, he leaves a sister, Mary, a son, also called Charles, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
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Antipodean Andy · Sep 18, 2008

Must have been a bloody good pilot. RIP.

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Charles Smith Dambuster ferry pilot RIP

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