User:Reguyla\Wildie Wildsmith

Hugh Errol Noel "Wildie" Wildsmith (died 1945) was a South African Major in the South African Air Force during World War II. Hugh Wildsmith, a native of Kalk Bay in Cape Province of South Africa's private pilot before the war. He joined the South African Permanent Force and serves as an instructor from 1940 to 1941 the CFS as well as in schools 13 and 14. On March 15, 1941, he was transferred to Squadron 4 / SAAF where he served until early May It is then transferred to Squadron 41 / SAAF in East Africa and became a pilot tactical reconnaissance. In early July, he was transferred to Squadron 3 / SAAF until 23 October 1941 when he returned to South Africa. There, he held various positions including conveyor. Affected in North Africa June 7, 1942, he joined the Squadron 2 / SAAF as Flight Commander before taking command of the unit on November 13. Receiving the DFC December 4, 1942 after winning four victories in air combat, he completed his second tour of duty on February 28, 1943. He will command the latest Squadron 9 / SAAF on the Eastern Front Mediterranean from May 21 November 22, 1944. Admitted to the hospital December 11, 1944, he died shortly after the end of the war.

Awards

 * Distinguished Flying Cross on 4 December 1942 as Captain in the 2 Squadron SAAF, South African Air Force


 * 1939-1945 Star


 * Africa Star


 * Italy Star


 * War Medal 1939-1945


 * Africa Service Medal 1939-1945