What became of Major BE Smythies ?

[nils d]

Major B E Smythies was the CO of 64 Sqn 8/16 to 12/18 , the longest stint of any CO of a squadron, l believe , in the war.

In a history of 2 Sqn  it says Sqn Leader Smythies assumed command in May 1922 but was "sadly killed shortly afterwards ".

their next CO took over on 15/5/22 .

BUT other sources say he commanded 41 Sqn in 1923 and was station commander of RAF Northolt in1924.

Can anyone explain the No 2 Sqn  statement?

.

[ForeignGong]

Don't know if same man but Major B. E. Smythies was MID in this LG

 

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37730/supplement/4727

[Dolphin]

From Flight in 1930:

 

On Tuesday, June 17, Wing-Comdr. B. E. Smythies D.F.C., p.s.a., O.C. Station H.Q., North Weald, was taking off in a two-seater Siskin with A./C. F. R. S. Holben as passenger, when his machine hit a lawn roller, crashed and caught fire. Holben was slightly injured, but the  Wing Commander died in hospital. The late officer entered the Royal Engineers in 1905 and joined the R.F.C. in 1915. He served in France as squadron commander, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his services. He subsequently served at the Air Ministry, went through the Si College at Andover, and later commanded No. 99 Bomber Squadron. In 1926 he won the R. M. Groves Memorial Essay prize. Last August he was given command of Upper Heyford, where Nos. 29 and 56 Fighter Squadrons are stationed. Both these squadrons, together with No. 111 F.S., are to form a Fighter wing at the Hendon Display.

 

I hope this is useful.

 

Gareth

[RaySearching]

St Edmund's Parish Church
Church Street
Dolton
Torridge
Devon

 

 

Ray

Edited 1 December , 2018 by RaySearching

[RaySearching]

Face to a name

 

Ray

[nils d]

Thank you all for the information. The 2 squadron history was in error but poor Smythies was KIFA

eight years later. Sorry to learn this. Those Siskins had a lot of accidents it appears , in the manner of the war-time Camel.