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Smith, Christopher Dermot Salmond(9-34C)Christopher Smith of Overy Staithe, Norfolk was born in September 1916 at Bruton, Somerset and educated at Bradfield College. He entered Cranwell in September 1934.After graduating in July 1936 he was posted to the School of Air Navigation, Manston for a course. He joined 220 (GR) Squadron at Bircham Newton on 29th November 1936 then went to A&AEE Martlesham Heath on 1st June 1938. Although looking very young in this photograph taken in 1934 Smith was eighteen years and went to Cranwell in the same year.He joined 25 Squadron at North Weald on 20th September 1940 as a Flight Commander. In November 1941 Smith took command of 79 Squadron at Fairwood Common, Wales. Smith was wounded on 12 May 1940 during a daring interception patrol off the Dutch coast. He was piloting a Bristol Blenheim Mk IF (P4834) equipped with the then secret A.I. Mk. 1 airborne radar, marking one of the earliest successful radar-guided interceptions in daylight. During the mission, Smith's aircraft engaged a Heinkel He 111, likely from 2./LG 1. The enemy returned fire, striking the cockpit area and injuring Smith in the arm. Despite the damage, he managed to bring the aircraft back to RAF Martlesham Heath, but it caught fire on landing and was ultimately destroyed.This incident not only highlighted Smith's bravery but also the emerging role of radar in air combat. He was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his contributions to airborne radar development.On 22 December 1941, Squadron Leader Smith was flying Hurricane Z5255 when it was shot down at sea off the coast of the Saltee Islands, Ireland, during aerial combat. Smith was 25.