Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Dear James,

You would have known my dad, David, as 1331723 W/O Smith D, when you were flying with him in 612 Squadron, Coastal Command.

Max (Maxwell Henry Paynter)was your pilot, dad was air gunner / radio operator and you were the navigator.

Dad and I began the search for Max 44 years ago and just recently I have found his grave and his virtual memorial. Dad passed away five years ago but I promised that I'd find Max for him. Along the journey I found you as well, a double blessing.

I heard so many stories about the antics the three of you got up to, you and Max feel as though you have always been a part of my family.

Do you remember being posted to RAF Davidstow Moor? It's a desolate place to be when the weather comes in. There's a museum there now on the site of the old buildings, Cornwall At War Museum. I work there as a volunteer and love the fact that I am really walking in dad's footsteps. I have told Max in a letter to him about how we have the hall of fame in the Officers Mess. Dad's photo is there, now I can add yours, and hope that the search for Max's family brings the official portrait of him too. Then the three of you will be reunited in a special photo frame so that you'll never be forgotten.

Dad told me about the evening you all decided to go to Newquay, about 30 miles away. You took the bus there, but had enjoyed your evening so much that you all missed the last bus back to Davidstow. The only option was to walk and hope that you got a lift along the way. Apparently rather a lot of beer had been drunk and all three of you decided to sleep in a ditch as a lift didn't come along. Needless to say, you weren't given a cheery welcome back to base. I think dad said he had three days in the glass house for that escapade.

I'm so glad that I have met you along the way, James ( you were always Jimmy to dad). Despite the fact that you and Max were both a few years older than dad you looked after him and were good friends to him. The skills you both had at flying kept all the crew safe, and for that I can never thank you enough.

I told Max that I liked to imagine him and dad flying free without the horrors of war. Now I can imagine you with them as well. What a beautiful thought that is. I hope that after a flight the three of you have a few beers as well, but don't go falling asleep in any ditches!

God bless you Jimmy.

Pauline