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Service No: 187458
Charles Peter Keith SMITH - known as 'Pete'
From the National Archives AIR/27/747 92 Squadron ORB
11th April 1945
.. But their magnificent results were not achieved without loss for while an attack on an enemy strongpoint near MASSA LOMBARDA, P/O 'PETE ' SMITH's bomb exploded either just as or just before it left the aircraft, and his aircraft was blown to pieces.
His loss is a grievous one for he was a very likeable fellow and of sterling character. His operational tour had been done easily and it is sad to think that the next day he was to go O.T.E (Operational Tour Expired)
A more detailed description of his last flight is described in Stanley 'Mike' Widdowson's diary on the BBC WW2 People's War website.
11-Apr 1945
SMITH, CHARLES PETER KEITH (187458); age 22 RAFVR
Fg Off
He was killed whilst flying in Spitfire VIII, MT801 of No 92 Sqn, which was destroyed by its own bomb either just before or just after it was released during an attack on an enemy strongpoint at Mass Lombarda. He is buried in Faenza War Cemetery.
