Born in Carleton Place, ON. he and his family moved to Chatham. The son of  Mr. and Mrs. G. Howard Smith of 134 Lorne Ave., Chatham. John attended Queen Mary Public School and the Chatham Collegiate Institute. Prior to the war, while attending CCI., John became a basketball star. A member of Christ Church.  

Sgt. (WAG) Smith was on a two week furlough in June at his parents home in Chatham. CDN 23/06/42 It was reported in the CDN 23/10/42 that John had left Chatham for an “eastern port” after spending a furlough with his parents. Sgt. Smith went overseas in 1942 and was commissioned to the rank of Flying Officer before his discharge from active service.

The CDN 11/09/43(P) reported that during operations over enemy territory on the last day of August of 1943 he was seriously wounded by anti-aircraft shrapnel. “In spite of his injury then to his left eye, airman Smith stuck to his post until the aircraft returned safely, he continued to operate his wireless set. For this F/O Smith became one of the first from Kent County to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM). He received the DFM for conspicuous courage in recent air action. (details were not given nor the time or place)  John suffered a “severe eye injury” in this action and surgeons found it necessary to remove the eye.” He had been hospitalized at Halton near Leeds for some time in England.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Awards

Distinguished Flying Medal

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