4th July 2012

SEATON: Seaton remembers Bomber Command

By Laura Goldsbury Noy

Memories of a Seaton airman lost in World War II were rekindled this week.

The tragic tale of Flight Sergeant William (Bill) Smith resurfaced after a major public memorial to commemorate Bomber Command airmen was unveiled in London.

Seaton historian Ted Gosling dug out a photograph taken in 1937 and a letter sent two days before Bill was lost in action in 1944.

The correspondence between Bill and his school friend Douglas Littley, also known as Nib, is all that remains of Bill’s story.

Bill Smith was reported missing on February 13th 1944 - he was just 19 years old.

The only son of Edgar Smith, owner of a cycling shop in Seaton, Bill was never found after he took part in a Lancaster raid on central Germany and Berlin.

As the curator of Seaton Museum, Mr Gosling is pleased that the thousands of lives lost and those who served in the Bomber Command Squadron can finally be remembered.

He said: “Out of 800 aircraft that would take off during the Second World War, around 100 would never come back and the tragic loss of 55,573 airmen is something we should never forget.

“There were arguments from people who did not necessarily live during the war that suggested that bombing the Germans was wrong, but just in East Devon alone, we suffered with the blitz with three days of terror on Exeter and even Seaton itself being targeted.

“None of the mistakes were made by the airmen, they were merely fulfilling their duty to their country, following orders and believed they risked their lives for a great cause.

“The Bomber Command airmen helped to win the war, and like the many who lost their lives, or are veterans today, they should all be remembered.”

The nine foot bronze memorial sculpture depicting seven Bomber Command aircrew was unveiled by the Queen in London’s Green Park last Thursday. The memorial comes after five years of campaigning by the Bomber Command Association.

For many veterans and family members it represents closure and a long-awaited acknowledge -ment of the significant contribution made by the 125,000 men who served in Bomber Command in World War Two.

A display in Seaton museum will be on show this week in memory of Bill and the many other airmen who lost their lives.

Dear Nib,

Just a line to let you know how things are going once again. Thanks for mail, I received one of your letters ok on return from leave and the other last week.

Talking of leave reminds me, we are due for our second 14 days in about a fortnight’s time.

Well, Nib, things have been on the top line recently. Our pilot received an immediate award of the DFC for 14 trips to Berlin - see the citation in the papers this week - our radio op also had the DFC, so things are looking up.

On top of that, we were all introduced to the King and Queen last Thursday. I spoke to both of them and shook hands with the Queen. Gee - but she is marvellous.

Yes the general idea is for us to pack up for good after the next 15 trips. If I get through ok I shall have seen enough excitement for one war.

Let me know if you come up this way and I will see what can be fixed up. By the way, I wish they put the Home Guard on the German Flak Guns. Guess that’s about all till next time so over to you.

Cheers, all the best from Bill.

PICTURE: SEATON BOYS - Bomber Command Airman Bill Smith of Seaton who was never found (centre) alongside friends Boyce Anning and Douglas Littley (right) who received his final letter

SEATON: Seaton remembers Bomber Command

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