Smith, Ernest Sutton

Tall, fair-haired Ernest Sutton (Bill) Smith, 24-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. T. S. Smith, 137 Dundas St., enjoyed, in the peaceful days before the war, a full and interesting life. He had many friends, not only because he had a warm personality that invited friendship, but because he was so energetic and athletic. He was an apprenticed druggist in Lee's store and after working hours pursued the game of golf. So successful was he in this that in three years of playing at the Arrowdale Golf Club, he carried home seven miniature cups. He also found time to maintain an interest in swimming at which he was exceptionally proficient. At Collegiate Institute he was a star player at basketball. He was also a good student, securing his senior matriculation. Although he was an apprentice druggist, he had planned to go on to university and study chemistry. He was a member of St. James' Anglican Church. His keen intelligence was indicated in his record after enlistment in the R.C.A.F. After training in Toronto and Dartmouth, N.S., he graduated as a pilot from the No. 5 S.F.T.S. at Brantford and was sent overseas in September, 1941. As a flight sergeant he flew from Malta and was in the African campaign. His letters, describing life at an African base, indicated that in spite of all the discomforts, he had not lost that sense of humor his friends so well remember. Commissioned as a pilot officer in November, 1943, he was to become a distinguished member of the service and in 1944 was mentioned for gallantry in the King's New Year's honors list. He died on June 17, 1944, following the explosion of his plane over Amerstfroot, Holland, and is now buried at Rust Cemetery. His promotion to flight lieutenant was made after the news of his death was received.

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