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WWII Flight Lieutenant 'Lacy' Smith laid to rest in France
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
On 19 April 2011 Australian World War II Flight Lieutenant (FLTLT) Henry ‘Lacy’ Smith was buried with full military honours in France.
RAAF members from Australia’s Federation Guard were there with the Hon Warren Snowdon MP, Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mark Binskin AO, and FLTLT Smith’s surviving niece and nephew and their extended families at the ceremony.
The service was held at the War Graves Cemetery, at Rue des Airbornes, Ranville in Normandy and included a traditional wreath laying, the Ode, and the Last Post bugle call, symbolising that FLTLT Smith’s duty was over and he can now rest in peace.
FLTLT Smith from Sans Souci, south of Sydney, NSW, was shot down by anti-aircraft fire on 11 June 1944 during World War II and crashed into the River Orne, near Caen, in northern France. The Spitfire aircraft and Smith’s remains were found in November 2010.
“At age 27, FLTLT Smith made the ultimate sacrifice for our country during World War II. He was from No 453 Squadron, the first Australian squadron to go into action on 6 June 1944, where it provided tactical support for the troops landing on the Normandy beachhead,” Mr Snowdon said.
During the ceremony, the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mark Binskin AO, posthumously awarded and presented FLTLT Smith’s service medals: the 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star with France and Germany Clasp; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45; and Australian Service Medal 1939-45.
FLTLT Stokes, the Contingent Commander from AFG said, "The internment ceremony of the late FLTLT Smith is of significant importance to the RAAF as it represents the sacrifice Australian Airmen made during WW2.
"As a junior officer wearing the same rank as FLTLT Smith, I feel very fortunate to be part of this historical occasion. Further to having an active part in the ceremony, my Airmen and I are honoured to have represented both Service and country in properly laying our fallen comrade to rest.
"It is inspiring to all Servicemen and women, present and past, that the ADF is making efforts to have the Spitfire Aircraft relocated to our RAAF Museum in Point Cook, where it will undergo restoration before being made available to public viewing.
"The deployment to France to conduct this ceremony was, although fast-paced and mentally demanding, an experience I am grateful to have been part of and one that I will never forget. The hospitality, professionalism and kindness received from the French was greatly appreciated by all Australian personnel involved and I thank them for their efforts."
