ERIC SIDNEY SMITH
From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG” https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730
As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570
Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.
Born: 1917, Ipswich.
Died: 6th June 1943; age 25; Aircraft failed to return from a practice cross-country flight.
Residence: 1, Wellesley Road, Ipswich.
Rank: Flight Sergeant/Pilot; Service Number: 646905.
Regiment: Royal Air Force, 30 Operational Training Unit.
Memorial Reference:
Panel 139.
Englefield,
Surrey.
Father: Charles Smith, born November 1891, Ipswich. A Carpenter & Joiner.
Mother: Grace Evelyn Smith (nee Buckingham), born April 1891, Nacton, Suffolk.
CENSUS
1921 1, Wellesley Road, Ipswich.
Eric was 4 years and 4 months old and lived with his parents and sister.
Charles Smith, 29 years & 7 months old, a Joiner and Carpenter for A. Fasey & Sons, Race Course, Ipswich.
Grace Smith, 30 years & 2 months old, Home Duties.
Joyce Everlyn Smith, 3 years old, born Ipswich.
6th June 1943
Aircraft: Vickers Wellington III; serial number: BJ801. The aircraft took off from R.A.F. Hixon, Staffordshire, on a practice cross-country flight between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. over the North Sea. BJ801 was last heard at 11:42 a.m. when its position was given. The aircraft failed to return to base.
CREW:
Eric Russell Swindells; Flight Sergeant/Pilot; age 23; R.C.A.F.
Robert Edward Gill; Sergeant/Air Bomber; age 19; R.A.F.V.R.
John Edward Plummer; Sergeant/Navigater; age 20; R.A.F.V.R.
Robert Eric Percival West; Sergeant/Wireless Operator/Air Gunner; age 21; R.A.F.V.R.
Lorne Barrie Hewer (picture); Sergeant/Air Gunner; age 20; R.C.A.F.
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