807 Sqn 1941 - Hallett/Smith

[AUS_RAAF]

Hi all,

On 8 May 41 Lt N.N. Hallett of 807 Sqn RN shared an SM.79 damaged with another Fulmar - piloted by A.G. Johnson. Hallett’s observer was Australian Lt V.A.T Smith (apparently senior observer with 807 Sqn) and both had to escape from their ditched Fulmar after the combat.

Could someone confirm whether Hallett was crewed with Smith for his subsequent shared victories on 23 Jul 41 (1/2 S.79 dest, 2 x 1/2 S.79 dam shared with Lt/Cdr Sholto-Douglas) and 25 Jul 41 (1/2 Z506B dam shared with Sub/Lt K.G. Grant , 1/2 Z506B dest shared with Lt G.C. Guthrie)? Any further details about these combats, other claimants and/or Fulmar serials would be of interest.

Similarly, was Smith crewed with any other 807 Sqn pilots who may have had aerial victories during this time? At some stage in Sept 41 he was involved in another 807 Sqn ditching when observer to Sholto-Douglas. Details of this would also be very welcome.

Thanks in advance,

Regards, Drew H