Based out of Breighton and flying Halifax II JD-409, they were detailed for a raid on Monchengladbach on 30/31 August 1943. Whilst over Westmalle, some six miles south-west of Turnhout they were attacked by an enemy night fighter from Nachtjagdgeschwader 1 (NJG 1) with Hauptman Rupprect of Stab II at the controls.
They were shot down and crashed at 0408hrs near Antwerp. Of the seven crew, six - including Smith - were killed. Sergeant H. T. Street managed to evade but Smith, aged just 21, was buried with his comrades in the Schoonselhof Cemetery.
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