Stephen's War

Stephen Fraser Smith was a member of 142 Squadron Royal Air Force whose aircraft crashed in 1943. This book is a tribute to him and his crew whose ultimate sacrifice has not been officially recognised. He is not just another person who died in the Second World War He is not simply a statistic. A sportsman, he also loved music, dramatics and beautiful scenery. He was a son, a brother and a young Yorkshireman who volunteered his service to his country. The book charts his early life, his service training, overseas posting, operations and his death. The account utilises many contemporary documents, contacts with the families of crew members, and research at The National Archives. From medals hanging in a grandmother's bedroom, to an extraordinary letter from a teacher, to a commemoration on a wooded Italian hillside, this book is an account of a nephew's determination to honour an uncle.