Catalogue
Catalogue
Object Type
Name/Title
Papers relating to war service of Second World War airmen James and Jack Menzies Smith
Primary Maker
Date
Circa 2003
Physical Description
4 x volumes; 1 folder (6 items)
Level of Current Record
Parent
Public Access Text
See also:
(1) - Cenotaph database records.
(2) - Video featuring the ceremonial review and opening of the RNZAF Museum -- 'Royal New Zealand Air Force 50th Anniversary Celebrations: RNZAF Base, Wigram, 1 April 1987', Compak Video Ltd., Christchurch, [1987]. (UG 635 ROY)
Subject Notes
NZ403040 Flight Lieutenant Jack Menzies Smith was born on 16 March 1917, at Dargaville, New Zealand. He joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force in September 1940, undergoing his initial training in New Zealand and later in Canada under the Empire Air Training Scheme (also known as the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan). He served as a Flight Lieutenant (Air-Gunner) with No. 7 (RAF) Squadron, taking part in air operations over Europe. He was shot down during a bombing raid over Duisberg, Germany on 6/7 September 1942, and is buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery between the German towns of Goch and Kleve, just across the border with the Netherlands.
NZ404957 Squadron Leader James ('Jim') Menzies Smith was born on 14 January 1915, at Frankton Junction, Hamilton, New Zealand. He joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force in October 1939, undergoing his initial training in New Zealand and later in the United Kingdom. He took part in air operations in both the Pacific and Europe. On 23 December 1946, he was placed on Reserve of officers, having attained the rank of temporary Wing Commander. He died on 19 July 1983, at Te Awamutu, New Zealand, aged 68. His ashes were interred next to the headstone of his younger brother Jack in the Reichswald Forest Cemetery.
Credit Line
Donated by Trevor Natzke in 2004.
Last Update
07 Jul 2023
The development of the Auckland War Memorial Museum online collection is an ongoing process; updates, new images and records are added weekly. In some cases, records have yet to be confirmed by Museum staff, and there could be mistakes or omissions in the information provided.