A Second World War M.B.E. group of five awarded to Squadron Leader W. H. P. Smith, Royal Air Force

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge; 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (Flt. Lt., R.A.F.), generally good very fine (5) £250-300

M.B.E. London Gazette 8 June 1944. The original recommendation states:

‘This officer has been Station Armament Officer at Morpeth since April 1942. The high standard of efficiency displayed by his section is without doubt due to his tireless energy, example and constant endeavour. Notwithstanding the multitudinous variety of his responsibilities in connection with armament affairs, training expedients and maintenance problems, he has made time to supervise and direct a Marine Section at Amble (18 miles away) and a Moving Target Section (11 miles away). Furthermore, Flight Lieutenant Smith is in charge of a Living Site which is without doubt the best organised community on the station. He has also discharged the duties of Officer-in-Charge, A.A. Flight with a high degree of merit. Flight Lieutenant Smith has performed sterling work and has extremely good technical knowledge.’

William Henry Percival Smith, who was commissioned in the Technical Branch in November 1941, was serving at No. 4 Air Gunnery School at Morpeth, a component of Flying Training Command, at the time of being recommended for his M.B.E. Shortly afterwards, in April 1944, he was posted as a Chief Armament Instructor to an Air Navigation and Bombing School, in which capacity he was still serving at the War’s end. Advanced to Squadron Leader in August 1947, he was placed on the Retired List in October 1953.