Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Grave marker – Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

Grave marker – Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me

Photo of WILLIAM ROBERT SMITH – Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me

Photo of WILLIAM ROBERT SMITH – Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me

Photo of WILLIAM ROBERT SMITH – Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me

Identification – Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me

Service Book – Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me

Document – Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me

Correspondence – Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me

Correspondence – Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me

Attestation paper – Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me

Attestation paper – Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me

Newspaper clipping – Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me

Newspaper clipping – Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me

Memorial Plaque – This outdoor plaque is located at the “Old Vic” building, part of Victoria University in the University of Toronto. The decorative motif at the top shows the Victoria University crest, with motto in Latin: “ABEUNT STUDIA IN MORES”. The plaque is inscribed: “THEY WERE VALIANT IN LIFE TRIUMPHANT IN DEATH. ERECTED TO THE MEMORY OF THE STUDENTS OF THIS COLLEGE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR 1939-1945. THIS TABLET WAS ERECTED BY THE BOARD OF REGENTS AND DEDICATED OCTOBER 13TH, 1953”. There are 79 names inscribed in bas relief. Photo: Cody Gagnon, courtesy of Alumni Relations, University of Toronto.

Photo of William Smith – From: University of Toronto Memorial Book Second World War 1939-1945. The book was published by the Soldiers' Tower Committee, University of Toronto. Submitted with permission, by Operation Picture Me.

Newspaper Clipping – Memorialized on the pages of the Globe and Mail. Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

Newspaper clipping – The Toronto Star January 18, 1945, page 26 Crash details from //lostbombers.co.uk F/Lt Smith was pilot of Lancaster DS 791 in 408 Sqn. DS791 took part in the following Key Operations: Berlin 18/19 Nov. 43; Berlin 22/23 Nov. 43’ Berlin 23/24 Nov. 43; Berlin 26/27 Nov. 43; Berlin 2/3 Dec. 43; Berlin 29/30 Dec. 43; Berlin; 1 / 2Jan. 44; Berlin 2/3 Jan. 44; Brunswick 14/15 Jan. 44; Berlin 30/31 Jan. 44; Berlin 15/16 Feb. 44; Leipzig 19/20 Feb. 44; Schweinfurt 24/25 Feb. 44. The target on 25/26 Feb. 44 was Augsburg, 50 miles north-west of Munich. The crew was airborne at 2111 on the 25th from their home base at Linton-on-Ouse. This was an experienced crew nearing the end of their operational tour. One crew member, F/S D. G. Mullock, survived and was taken Prisoner of War. Those who were killed are: F/O (N) Cyril F. Ridgers, DFC, age 27, from Hamilton, Ont. F/S (AB) Lloyd Stuart Beer F/S (AG) Clarence O. Draper,MiD, age 28, of Elgin, Manitoba F/S (WAG) Ronald E. Bowler, RAF, age 23, from Leicester, England Sgt. (FE) Fred Crofts, RAF, age 21, from Angus, Scotland DFC citation for F/Lt. Smith: SMITH, F/L William Robert (J18361) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.408 Squadron (deceased) - Award effective 24 February 1944 as per London Gazette dated 21 December 1945 and AFRO 155/46 dated 15 February 1946. Born 1921 in Toronto; home there; enlisted there 22 July 1941. Trained at No.3 ITS (graduated 11 April 1942), No.14 EFTS (graduated 3 July 1942) and No.10 SFTS (graduated 6 November 1942. Commissioned July 1943. Killed in action 25 February 1944 (Lancaster DS791, No.408 Squadron); buried in Germany. Award presented at Government House to next-of-kin, 7 November 1949. This officer has completed as pilot and captain of aircraft many successful operations against the enemy in the course of which he has displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty.

Newspaper Clipping – Memorialized on the pages of the Globe and Mail. Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

Memorial – Flight Lieutenant William Robert Smith is commemorated on the Bomber Command Memorial Wall in Nanton, AB … photo courtesy of Marg Liessens

Memorial – Father J P Lardie's comments as inscribed on the Bomber Command Memorial Wall in Nanton, AB … photo courtesy of Marg Liessens

Memorial – Flight Lieutenant William Robert Smith is commemorated on the Bomber Command Memorial Wall in Nanton, AB … photo courtesy of Marg Liessens