Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Leading Aircraftman Herbert Francis “Bert” Smith
(1910–1999)
Herbert Francis “Bert” Smith was born on 18 October 1910 in Adelaide, South Australia,
the eldest son of Edward Francis Smith and Helen May Taylor.
His early childhood was spent in inner Adelaide, where he was initially home-schooled
before commencing formal education at Sturt Street Primary School.
School records show the family residence as 108 Wright Street, Adelaide. In February
1917, Bert was transferred to Wallaroo School, reflecting a period
of regional movement common to working families of the era. He later attended Adelaide
High School.
In civilian life, Bert trained as a coppersmith, a skilled metal trade that would later prove
valuable during wartime service.
On 26 May 1942, at the age of 31, Herbert Smith enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force
in Adelaide. He was allocated Service Number 48468 and initially
enlisted as an Aircraftman, Class 1, mustered as a coppersmith. His enlistment records
confirm his address at the time as Hyde Park, South Australia, and
name his wife, Kathleen Alice Smith (née Mayman), as next of kin.
During his service, Bert performed skilled trade duties essential to aircraft maintenance
and wartime operations. Over the course of his service, he later
attained the rank of Leading Aircraftman, a promotion consistent with experience, trade
proficiency, and length of service. He remained on active service
for the duration of the war and into the post-war period.
Herbert Francis Smith was honourably discharged from the Royal Australian Air Force on
18 September 1945, holding the rank of Leading Aircraftman.
Following the war, Bert returned to civilian life in South Australia. He lived his later years in
Adelaide’s eastern suburbs and passed away on
10 November 1999 at Resthaven, Leabrook, South Australia, aged 89. He was cremated
at Centennial Park Cemetery, Pasadena, on 15 November 1999.
Herbert Francis “Bert” Smith’s wartime service represents the vital contribution of skilled
tradesmen to Australia’s air power during the Second World War,
supporting operations through technical expertise rather than combat roles, yet remaining
essential to the overall war effort.

Biography by Trevor Pyatt 10/02/2026