Memorial Title
D Watson-Smith
Summary
Images
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Click on a thumbnail to see a larger image. Further images may be available on request. |
Locations
| Last known location: Church of St Bartholomew Church Lane North Old Whittington Chesterfield Derbyshire |
Nearest postcode: S41 9QP NGR: SK 47044 41749 ±5m (Map opens in new window.) |
Location details: In the west wall of the community area. |
Type
| Overall type: Window. | Overall condition: Good. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Description: A two-light stained glass window with reticulated tracery. At the head is a quatrefoil light with a blue ground containing images relating to the Royal Air Force, including the initials in gold at the centre surrounded by a green laurel wreath, wings and a star in gold to each side, the RAF motto on a gold ribbon below and a Tudor or King's Crown above. The two main lights each have vertical sides and a pointed trefoil arch. The left light bears an image of St Francis wearing a brownish red gown and surrounded by birds, animals and sprays of vegetation, and his name is written on a banner above his head. The right light depicts the warrier saint St Michael the Archangel wearing a suit of armour in gold and a white cloak. In his right hand he is holding an inverted sword of peace held high, and in his left hand he is holding a white shield with a red cross, resting with its point on the ground. His name is also written on a banner above his head. At the foot of each light is a white oblong panel bearing the dedication in sentence case gothic lettering reading contiguously across both panels. Glossary |
Components:
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Inscription
RAF
PER ARDUA AD ASTRA
ST FRANCIS ST MICHAEL
To the Glory of God and in Honoured Memory of David,
aged 21, Fourth son of Olive (nee Nunney) and Harry Watson-Smith, C.B.E., J.P.
who as a Bomber Pilot gave his mortal life along with his crew during night bombing
operations on Germany, 13th May 1943 in the World War for righteousness.
PER ARDUA AD ASTRA
ST FRANCIS ST MICHAEL
To the Glory of God and in Honoured Memory of David,
aged 21, Fourth son of Olive (nee Nunney) and Harry Watson-Smith, C.B.E., J.P.
who as a Bomber Pilot gave his mortal life along with his crew during night bombing
operations on Germany, 13th May 1943 in the World War for righteousness.
| Conflicts and people named: | ||
| Conflict | Second World War (1939-1945) | Totals |
| Action or event | Bombing campaign in Germany | |
| Number died | 1 | 1 |
| Number served and returned | 0 | 0 |
| Total names | 1 | 1 |
Administration
Local authorities:
From WW2: Chesterfield Borough Council.
From 1974: Chesterfield Borough Council; Derbyshire County Council.
History and Conservation
c1947: The memorial was unveiled by Mr H Watson-Smith, father of the deceased.
26th September, 1977: The church was listed Grade II, Historic England list number 1088305.
November, 1977: The Old Whittington Conservation Area was first designated and the church lies within it.
4th April, 2023: The memorial was surveyed by Roy Branson and Alan Willmot. It was in good condition.
References
Old Whittington Conservation Area Character Appraisal; Chesterfield Borough Council, January 2006.
Comments
The casualty is recorded by CWGC as Fl Sgt 1239555 David Crofton [sic] Smith, 51 Sqn, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, died 13th May 1943 aged 21.
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