RAAF Pilot found in France

[Andy Saunders]

As I have thus far not seen this mentioned on the forum, I thought the following may be of some interest:

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news...-1226171539483

[ClinA-78]

Here is the French version:
http://www.lavoixdunord.fr/Locales/H...rt-bient.shtml

[paulmcmillan]

Andy

As you have posted now.. Has the pilot ID now been 100% confirmed officially?

Thanks

Paul

[Andy Saunders]

Paul

No, not yet. I am merely posting what is already widely in the public domain. As soon as I hear anything officially then I will post something here. I'm afraid that a name was released to the media by a French source before any official enquiries or before any relatives could be contacted. A most regretable state of affairs.

ClinA-78

This is one of several versions of the story published in that newspaper. All of the newspaper articles in that publication were factually incorrect in at least one or more aspect of the story they printed, not least of all a comment wrongly attributed to a CWGC official. Again, most regretable and unfortunate that factually incorrect material was published in this newspaper.

[Andy Saunders]

I am able to confirm that the RAAF officially named the pilot as Sgt William James SMITH earlier this week and officially notified the family who are both moved and delighted that William has been found, especially his 87 year old brother, Bert.
A military funeral will be held in northern France during April 2012.

[Andy Saunders]

http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb...earch=11121389

[Smithy]

Thanks for the link Andy.

Although I always find objects from crash sites such as dogtags and tunic buttons so very tragic. Sometimes researching these matters where it's names and serial numbers in books and documents we can be a little removed (or I can at least), but objects such as these bring the reality of it all home very starkly.

Best,

Tim

[Andy Saunders]

Yes, indeed.

They are very emotive objects and it was certainly emotive being involved in their discovery.

The story will be one episode in the Discovery History series "War Digs With Harry Harris" due be transmitted next year, although the original 'target' aeroplane the team thought they had found was another Spitfire which did not involve a casualty.

[Smithy]

I'll keep an eye out for it Andy, sounds very interesting.

Any other relevant programmes on the horizon which you may have been working on?

[Andy Saunders]

http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2011/s3378444.htm