Victor Smith - Second World War

Second World War

In 1940, Smith took part in operations off Norway with Ark Royal, before receiving a posting to No. 821 Squadron based at RNAS Hatston. On 21 June, he led six Swordfish biplanes in carrying out the first ever torpedo attack by aircraft on a capital ship at sea. The raid was conducted against the German battleship Scharnhorst off the Norwegian coast while subject to heavy anti-aircraft fire. The Scharnhorst obtained no hits by the torpedoes, and all six aircraft managed to return safely to land. For his actions during the attack, Smith received a Mention in Despatches.

In August, Smith was sent to join No. 807 Fighter Squadron aboard HMS Pegasus. The ship was used to protect convoys in the Western Approaches against the German Condor aircraft. In February 1941, the squadron joined HMS Furious, and was tasked with the protection of shipping off the African coast. In April, the squadron joined Ark Royal, where Smith served on until the ship was sunk off Gibraltar on 30 November by the German submarine U-81. During this time, Smith had been shot down twice, each time managing to be picked up by a destroyer. In the New Years Honours of 1942, Smith was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for "out-standing zeal, patience and cheerfulness and for setting an example of wholeheartedness devotion to duty".

After the sinking of the Ark Royal, Smith returned to Australia where he was appointed as liaison officer to the United States Navy heavy cruiser USS Chicago. He served in this position until May, when he was appointed to HMAS Canberra as the observer for aircraft. Smith served aboard the cruiser until it was sunk in the Battle of Savo Island during the Guadalcanal landings on 9 August 1942. Returning to Australia once more, he was appointed to the Amphibious Training School, HMAS Assault, for a short period prior to being appointed to stand by HMAS Shropshire. Promoted to acting lieutenant commander in March 1943, in July Smith was appointed Air Staff Officer to HMS Tracker, an American built escort carrier which was operating in the Battle of the Atlantic and escorting Russian convoys. During this time, the aircraft aboard Tracker managed to assist in the sinking of two German U-boats and shoot down six German long-range planes.

Promoted to lieutenant commander in 1944, Smith was posted as the Air Planning Officer on the staff of the Flag Officer, British Assault Area for the Normandy invasion. He was next appointed Air Planning Officer on the staff of the Vice Admiral (Q), British Pacific Fleet, retaining this position until 1 October 1945.