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Langely Smith [Canada]

Name:Langley Frank Willard Smith
Country:Canada
Rank:Flight Sub Lieutenant
Service:Royal Naval Air Service
Squadrons:4(N)
Victories:8
Born:15 August 1897
Place of Birth:Philipsburg, Quebec
Died:13 June 1917Killed In Action
Place of Death:Near Bruges-Ghent
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Commander of the Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown
Croix de Guerre [Belgium]

Notes
In the summer of 1916, Smith learned to fly at the Curtiss Flying School in Newport News, Virginia. Returning to Canada, he joined the Royal Naval Air Service in September 1916. Posted to Naval 4 on 25 April 1917, he scored eight victories flying the Sopwith Pup. In June 1917, his squadron was the first to receive the new Sopwith Camel. A few days later, while attempting to intercept a flight of 16 Gotha bombers, Smith was killed when his Camel lost a wing and broke up in mid-air.

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
"For exceptional gallantry and remarkable skill and courage whilst serving with the Royal Naval Air Service at Dunkirk during May and June 1917, in repeatedly attacking and destroying hostile aircraft." DSC Citation, London Gazette, 11 August 1917

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