Veteran donates historic documents

Kyt · Jan 31, 2009

War veteran donates historic documents to former squadron - Horncastle News

A SECOND World War veteran visited RAF Coningsby with his family on Wednesday and donated some of his wartime documents to his former squadron's archive.

Arthur Smith, who retired from the RAF in 1951 as a Flt Lt, flew dangerous raids over Nazi-occupied Europe with 29 Squadron from 1943.

Arthur was a navigator in the Mosquito night-fighters and during his visit had the chance to sit in the cockpit of a Typhoon from the same squadron he served with.

He said: "This was definitely the highlight of my day. The Typhoon is a wonderful aircraft, with much more room and comfort than the noisy Mosquito's I flew in."

It was Arthur's son who suggested he should donate his wartime logbook and Mention in Despatches to the 29 Squadron archives.

Wing Commander Johnny Stringer said: "I am both delighted and honoured to have met Arthur and his family, and to have accepted his wartime logbook and Mention in Despatches on behalf of 29 Squadron.

"As a wartime Mosquito navigator on 29 Squadron, Arthur was an exceedingly brave and courageous airman and represents to all whom currently serve on 29 Squadron an inspiring and tangible link to our illustrious predecessors."

Arthur, from Burnham on Sea, Somerset, went on to visit the world famous Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and enjoyed a guided tour of the historic aircraft.

"It was wonderful to see these marvellous aircraft" he said.

Arthur added: "I have had a most enjoyable time here today at Coningsby, I was very pleased to donate my memorabilia to my old squadron, I know they will be kept safe and be well looked after."
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Antipodean Andy · Feb 1, 2009

Good on him. A wonderful comparison to be made between the cockpits of the Mossies and modern-day Typhoon.

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