Benjamin Roxburgh-Smith

Name:

Country:

England

Rank:

Captain

Service:

Royal Flying Corps
Royal Air Force

Units:

60, 74

Victories:

Born:

10 April 1884

Place of Birth:

Lee, S.E. London

Died:

Place of Death:

A married man from Bromley, Surrey, Roxburgh-Smith was in his thirties when he joined the Royal Flying Corps. Quite a bit older than his peers, he became known as "Dad." In 1917, while serving with 60 Squadron, he was injured in a crash while flying the Nieuport Scout. Returning to duty, he served as a flight instructor before being posted to France with 74 Squadron in 1918. Eventually becoming a flight commander, he flew the S.E.5a with Edward Mannock's flight. On 19 July 1918, after scoring his eighth victory, Roxburgh Smith was shot down but survived with only minor injuries. By the end of the war, he achieved 22 victories and was the third highest scoring ace to serve with 74 Squadron.

Listed as "Benjamin Roxburgh Smith" in the birth registry (2nd quarter 1884, at Wandsworth, Greater London).

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

"Lieut. (T./Capt.) Benjamin Roxburgh- Smith.
This officer has shot down six enemy aeroplanes during the last few months. Bold in attack, skilful in defence, he is a valuable airman."

Supplement to the London Gazette, 2 November 1918 (30989/12972)

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) Bar

"Lt (A./Capt.) Benjamin Roxburgh-Smith, D.F.C., (FRANCE)
A leader of outstanding merit whose influence has had a great effect on maintaining the morale of his squadron. He has engaged in many combats with hostile aeroplanes, displaying marked skill and courage. Since May last he has accounted for twelve hostile machines."

Supplement to the London Gazette, 8 February 1919 (31170/2033)

Victories

	Date	Time	Unit	Aircraft	Opponent	Location
1	12 Apr 1918	1440	74	S.E.5a	Albatros D.V (DES) ¹	Bois de Phalempin
2	29 Apr 1918	1150	74	S.E.5a	LVG C (DES)	Dickebusch Lake
3	06 May 1918	1520	74	S.E.5a (C1108)	Fokker DR.I (DES) ²	NE of Ypres
4	12 May 1918	1825	74	S.E.5a (C1108)	Pfalz D.III (DES)	N of Wulverghem
5	26 May 1918	1930	74	S.E.5a (C1108)	Pfalz D.III (DES)	Doullieu
6	17 Jun 1918	0845	74	S.E.5a (D6855)	Fokker D.VII (DES)	4 mi SE of Dickebusch
7	18 Jun 1918	1745	74	S.E.5a (D6855)	DFW C (OOC)	1 mi S of Bailleul
8	19 Jul 1918	0850	74	S.E.5a (E5949)	Pfalz D.III (DES)	NE of Gheluvelt
9	10 Aug 1918	1900	74	S.E.5a	Fokker D.VII (DES)	E of Messines
10	17 Aug 1918	0905	74	S.E.5a (D6976)	Fokker D.VII (OOC)	N of Houthoulst Forest
11	19 Aug 1918	1930	74	S.E.5a	Fokker D.VII (DES)	Houthem
12	23 Aug 1918	1905	74	S.E.5a	Fokker D.VII (DESF)	Passchendaele
13	23 Aug 1918	1933	74	S.E.5a	Fokker D.VII (DESF)	Passchendaele
14	21 Sep 1918	1845	74	S.E.5a	Fokker D.VII (OOC)	Lille
15	24 Sep 1918	1045	74	S.E.5a	Rumpler C (DES) ³	Capinghem
16	26 Sep 1918	1130	74	S.E.5a (D6976)	Fokker D.VII (DES)	SE of Warneton
17	26 Sep 1918	1510	74	S.E.5a (D6976)	DFW C (DES) ³	3 mi SE of Armentières
18	05 Oct 1918	0930	74	S.E.5a (D6976)	Fokker D.VII (DES)	3 mi SW of Roulers
19	05 Oct 1918	0930	74	S.E.5a (D6976)	Fokker D.VII (OOC)	3 mi SW of Roulers
20	14 Oct 1918	1500	74	S.E.5a	Fokker D.VII (OOC)	Courtrai
21	14 Oct 1918	1520	74	S.E.5a	Fokker D.VII (DES)	Lauwe
22	14 Oct 1918	1525	74	S.E.5a	Fokker D.VII (DES)	Reckem

1	Shared with Capt Edward Mannock, Lt Henry Dolan, Lt Percy Howe, Lt Harris Clements
2	Shared with Maj Keith Caldwell
3	Shared with Lt George Hicks

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