F/O. Percival Charles Smith

[pietrzak]

Trying to find out any details on this chap. I know that he was awarded the DFC L/G 1945. But trying to find out any details of the operation he was on when he was shot down, but Norwegians assisted him to escape.
Anyone have any ideas on this one please?

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

185435 P/O (Pilot) Percival Charles SMITH RAFVR (later DFC), and his navigator, 187116 F/O Frederick Stanley HOLLY RAFVR, were shot down by a FW 190 on 9th February, 1945, in No.144 Sqn Beaufighter 'Y', during a Dallachy Wing strike on Forde Fiord. Smith and Holly, who was wounded, both became prisoners of war.

Col.

[pietrzak]

That is brilliant Sir and thank you so much for this.

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

You can read a full account of the Dallachy Wing strike on Forde Fiord on the 9th February, 1945, the shoot-down and subsequent capture of the crew of 144 Sqn Beaufighter 'Y', in:

The Strike Wings:Special Anti-Shipping Squadrons 1942-1945.
Nesbit,Roy Conyers.
London:HMSO.,1995.
pp.221-35 (photo of Smith & Holly on p.233).

Col.

[pietrzak]

Thanks, I will order that for the relative concerned.
Kelvin