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Smith, Frank Arthur (Leading Aircraftman)

Killed in Flying Accident 1941-09-19

Birth Date: 1916-12-04 (age 24)

Born: Atlanta, Georgia

Son of Frank Arthur and Fannie M. Smith, of East Point, Georgia.

Home: East Point, Georgia, USA

Enlistment: Toronto, Ontario

Enlistment Date: 1941-04-30

Service
RCAF
Unit
9 EFTS- Elementary Flying Training School
Base
St Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Rank
Leading Aircraftman
Marshal
Air Chief MarshalA/C/M
Air MarshalA/M
Air Vice MarshalA/V/M
Air CommodoreA/C
Group CaptainG/C
Wing CommanderW/C
Squadron LeaderS/L
Flight LieutenantF/L
Flying OfficerF/O
Pilot OfficerP/O
Warrant Officer 1st ClassWO1
Warrant Officer 2nd ClassWO2
Flight SergeantFS
SergeantSGT
CorporalCPL
Senior AircraftmanSAC
Leading AircraftmanLAC
Aircraftman 1st ClassAC1
Aircraftman 2nd ClassAC2
Position
Pilot
Service Numbers
R/102724
LAC Smith was on a routine training flight and was killed when Fleet Finch aircraft 4564 went into a spin and hit some high tension wires in Niagara Township, Lincoln County, Ontario. The aircraft then caught fire and burned.

Canada Primary Source School Daily Diary Entry – 1941-09-19

Canada Primary Source School Daily Diary Entry – Appendix A

Canada Source Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Canada Primary Source Library and Archives Canada Service Files (may not exist)

Burial
Google Map Greenwood Cemetery, USA
Lot 23 Sec A Grave 8

Fleet Finch

Fleet Finch Mk. IICanadian Warplane Heritage Museum

The Fleet Finch was the final version of a whole family of light biplane trainers, designed by Consolidated Aircraft of Buffalo, NY and intended for civilian use. Few of these aircraft were marketed under the Consolidated name, as most were sold through Fleet Aircraft Canada, under a range of model numbers. Only the RCAF gave any of these models names, calling the Model 7 the Fawn and the Model 16 the Finch. These aircraft were built from 1930 to 1941, all at Fort Erie, Ontario.

The Finch was developed to meet an RCAF requirement for a fully aerobatic, primary trainer. The RCAF ordered the first batch of aircraft in July 1939 and powered by a Kinner R5-2, 160 hp engine, they were designated the Fleet Finch Mk. I. Most of these aircraft were delivered to the RCAF Central Flying School at Trenton, Ontario by early 1940.

The RCAF placed a further order for primary trainers with Fleet in January 1940. The Fleet Finch Mk. II, powered by a Kinner B-5R, 130 hp engine, first flew from Fort Erie in March 1940. During the following year, over 400 Fleet Finch Mk. IIs were delivered to BCATP Elementary Flying Schools right across Canada.

The Fleet Finch was well liked by the RCAF as it was a rugged aircraft, was relatively easy to fly and withstood the abuse of novice pilots. Some Fleet Finches remained in service with the RCAF until 1947, but most were retired by October 1944. Their role as a primary trainer was taken over by Fairchild PT-26 Cornell. Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

YouTube Fleet Finch

CASPIR Aircraft Groups:
RCAF On Strength (431), RCAF 400 Squadron (3), Canadian Aircraft Losses (34), Canadian Manufactured (1)
last update: 2021-09-07 16:39:39

Finch Finch II 4564

Category A damage on 19 September 194I while with No. 9 Elementary Flying Training School at St. Catharines, Ontario.
1940-08-19 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1941-February-09 Accident: 9 Elementary Flying Training School Loc: St Catharines Ontario Names: Fowler
1941-August-18 Accident: 9 Elementary Flying Training School Loc: Perth Names: Moffatt
1941-September-19 Accident: 9 Elementary Flying Training School Loc: Niagara Lincoln Names: Smith
1941-12-08 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

9 EFTS- Elementary Flying Training School (9 Elementary Flying Training School)

An Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) gave a trainee 50 hours of basic flying instruction on a simple trainer like the De Havilland Tiger Moth, Fleet Finch, or Fairchild Cornell over 8 weeks.Elementary schools were operated by civilian flying clubs under contract to the RCAF and most of the instructors were civilians. For example, No. 12 EFTS Goderich was run by the Kitchener-Waterloo Flying Club and the County of Huron Flying Club.The next step for a pilot was the Service Flying Training School.

1941 Course NO9 EFTS

Information on RCAF Station St Catherines can be foud here

  • RCAF Roundel RCAF.info - RCAF Station St Catharines Ontario

  • General 9 EFTS Blog

  • 1940-10-14 Primary Location St Catharines ON Canada Current location of St Catharines Niagara District Airport CYSN
    1940-10-14 Relief Field Willoughby On Canada Currently the site of Niagara South private airport Russell Group

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