Additional Information:
Early Service and Training
Ross Smither was born in London, Ontario, on 12 November 1912. He served two years in the militia before joining the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1930 as a fitter.
He later qualified as an air gunner before applying for pilot training. His progression through multiple roles within the RCAF reflects the varied responsibilities undertaken by pre-war airmen, eventually leading to his qualification as a pilot.
Deployment to Britain, 1940
In June 1940, Smither was posted overseas with No. 1 (RCAF) Squadron, the first Canadian fighter squadron to be deployed to the United Kingdom. The squadron arrived on 21 June 1940 and was based at RAF Northolt.
At this time, Britain faced the threat of invasion, and the squadron was integrated into RAF Fighter Command, taking part in the air defence of southern England.
Battle of Britain Operations
During the Battle of Britain, Smither participated in operational sorties against German aircraft.
On 31 August 1940, he damaged a Messerschmitt Bf 109.
On 4 September 1940, he destroyed a Messerschmitt Bf 110 and damaged another during aerial combat.
These engagements took place during a period of sustained air fighting, as RAF Fighter Command defended airfields and key infrastructure from repeated Luftwaffe attacks.
Final Mission - 15 September 1940
On 15 September 1940, now widely known as “Battle of Britain Day,” Smither took off from RAF Northolt flying Hawker Hurricane P3876 on an operational sortie.
During combat over the Tunbridge Wells area, his aircraft was engaged by Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters. He was shot down and killed in action during the engagement.
This date marked one of the most significant days of the Battle of Britain, with large-scale air combat over southern England.
Burial and Legacy
Flying Officer Ross Smither is buried at Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey, England.
He is remembered as one of the Canadian pilots who took part in the Battle of Britain, serving in the defence of the United Kingdom during a critical period of the Second World War.