RAF - David Herbert Smith

[AngieToton]

I'm trying to find out if my husband's grandfather was in the RAF - David Herbert Smith born 7th July 1916 in Draycott ( Shardlow district ) Derbyshire

He worked for BOAC in Africa for a while but we've discovered a photo of him in we think is an RAF uniform but we can't seem to find anything to confirm he served in the RAF during WWII

[rosie99]

Have you tried the National Archives website 

WW2 records were previously being held by the MoD and are in the process of being transferred to TNA.
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/second-world-war/

[AngieToton]

Thanks, yes tried that but couldn't find anything

[rosie99]

You would have to apply for them to produce it for you.  They are starting to digitise all of the WW2 records

[rosie99]

ShaunJ posted this link on another post
https://www.apply-deceased-military-record.service.gov.uk/

[nanny jan]

Can you post the photo to see if anyone can confirm that he is wearing RAF uniform?

[AngieToton]

Thanks, will do, it's at my mother-in-laws at the minute so when i get it I'll post it

[BushInn1746]

I'm trying to find out if my husband's grandfather was in the RAF - David Herbert Smith born 7th July 1916 in Draycott ( Shardlow district ) Derbyshire

He worked for BOAC in Africa for a while but we've discovered a photo of him in we think is an RAF uniform but we can't seem to find anything to confirm he served in the RAF during WWII

Armstrong Whitworth Whitley aircraft (usually flown by RAF) were flown by BOAC during WW2 on supply / freight sorties.
https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205059412

Whitley BOAC Civil Registrations compiled by Nicholas Roberts March 1978 attached.
 ----------
The RAF Museum, Hendon, Dept of Research.
https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/

Mark

Added

Index of Airmen and Airwomen
AIR 78/146/1
Smith, D - Smith, Doris Winifred.
1918 to 1975
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C15625704

Some slips only use initials with surnames and Service Numbers.

[BushInn1746]

A description about this 'Sold' book mentions BOAC assistance to one of the Groups ...
https://www.compasslibrary.com/products/raf-transport-command-route-book-1944

"The group was sometimes aided by BOAC in the receiving, preparing, and dispatching of aircraft reinforcements into the North African and Mediterranean Theatres."