Sqn Ldr Steve Smith (ex Nimrod)
Each January CXX used to send 2 aircraft to the USN base in Keflavik with everything required to host a Burns supper for our country cousins. The big supper was always a success. One year Shadwell and his crew were lucky enough to be selected to represent CXX.
After the main cultural event as if we had not had enough of the amber nectar and other alcoholic beverages, we retired to the Brass Nut (a bar fuelled by contributions for the aircrew to "unwind"). At some ungodly hour it was time to leave. So Smithy and Shadwell set off to find their rooms in an adjacent block. As we arrived outside the cold air hitting us must have affected our constitutions and sense of direction as we set off in the wrong direction into the great FA. It was a beautiful calm but very cold evening and ideal for a stroll. Some time later we noticed, but did not react to the headlights approaching from behind.
The 2 shore patrol guys in the car must have thought all their Christmases had come at once with the sight of 2 people in "skirts" walking along the deserted road into the middle of nowhere. As they pulled up alongside us, we turned to face them and I will never forget the look on their faces. As they wound down the window, Smithy with his moustache and pipe smiles, and says "Whatcha cock". They invited us to get into the cage in the back of their car, which we did. There followed a silence as we drove back towards civilisation, broken only by Smithy saying to them "Manchester United". When I asked him the following day why he had said Manchester United, he replied that he could not think of anything to say that they would understand!
We have certainly lost a good un. He was a brilliant guy who was fair with everybody. Anyone who says that JJ was the worst Nimrod pilot he had seen (to be fair that was just after JJ joined his first squadron - he did improve later), cant be all bad.
Rest easy Smiffy
After the main cultural event as if we had not had enough of the amber nectar and other alcoholic beverages, we retired to the Brass Nut (a bar fuelled by contributions for the aircrew to "unwind"). At some ungodly hour it was time to leave. So Smithy and Shadwell set off to find their rooms in an adjacent block. As we arrived outside the cold air hitting us must have affected our constitutions and sense of direction as we set off in the wrong direction into the great FA. It was a beautiful calm but very cold evening and ideal for a stroll. Some time later we noticed, but did not react to the headlights approaching from behind.
The 2 shore patrol guys in the car must have thought all their Christmases had come at once with the sight of 2 people in "skirts" walking along the deserted road into the middle of nowhere. As they pulled up alongside us, we turned to face them and I will never forget the look on their faces. As they wound down the window, Smithy with his moustache and pipe smiles, and says "Whatcha cock". They invited us to get into the cage in the back of their car, which we did. There followed a silence as we drove back towards civilisation, broken only by Smithy saying to them "Manchester United". When I asked him the following day why he had said Manchester United, he replied that he could not think of anything to say that they would understand!
We have certainly lost a good un. He was a brilliant guy who was fair with everybody. Anyone who says that JJ was the worst Nimrod pilot he had seen (to be fair that was just after JJ joined his first squadron - he did improve later), cant be all bad.
Rest easy Smiffy
Very sad news, I flew with Smithy many times over the years as my crew Captain, as a fellow Nimrod pilot and latterly as an airline pilot. He was with out a doubt one of the best pilots I've ever flown but even more importantly a really good guy.
Stories abound about Steve, but my personal memory of him was being called to make up the numbers and fill in as a Co-pilot with him on a GSU training flight. As I was from a Squadron I was told that under no circumstances should I talk about the GSU's performance afterwards as they had their lofty position on the station to maintain. All went well until we were asked to make a fly past at Benbecula, Smithy proceeded to frighten the life out of me and the assembled throng that were stood outside the tower by making a pass that was so low I could see sheep looking down on us as we went by, which is no mean feat at Benbecula. Looking across and seeing me looking ever so slightly shaken as he pulled up Smithy says "yep the engineer was right, that bloody Radalt was reading over reading, make sure its snagged when we get back will you".
I know he will be sorely missed by many and I can just see him now with his pipe firmly set and beer in hand, issuing forth on the latest item that had annoyed him.
RIP Steve
Stories abound about Steve, but my personal memory of him was being called to make up the numbers and fill in as a Co-pilot with him on a GSU training flight. As I was from a Squadron I was told that under no circumstances should I talk about the GSU's performance afterwards as they had their lofty position on the station to maintain. All went well until we were asked to make a fly past at Benbecula, Smithy proceeded to frighten the life out of me and the assembled throng that were stood outside the tower by making a pass that was so low I could see sheep looking down on us as we went by, which is no mean feat at Benbecula. Looking across and seeing me looking ever so slightly shaken as he pulled up Smithy says "yep the engineer was right, that bloody Radalt was reading over reading, make sure its snagged when we get back will you".
I know he will be sorely missed by many and I can just see him now with his pipe firmly set and beer in hand, issuing forth on the latest item that had annoyed him.
RIP Steve
Last edited by nosmo king; 17th Sep 2015 at 14:15.
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Such terribly sad news for all his immediate family and the wider maritime community as we lose another one of the greats.
I had the privilege of flying with Steve as my Captain on 201 in the early 90's and can honestly say it was some of the best flying in my career and left me with so many fantastic memories that for all sorts of reasons do not seem quite appropriate to repeat at this moment in time.
A true gentleman who will be sadly missed. RIP Steve
I had the privilege of flying with Steve as my Captain on 201 in the early 90's and can honestly say it was some of the best flying in my career and left me with so many fantastic memories that for all sorts of reasons do not seem quite appropriate to repeat at this moment in time.
A true gentleman who will be sadly missed. RIP Steve
Right then chaps....
.....from Glyn:
Steve's funeral will be on Friday 25th Sep at 1330 in the large chapel at Inverness crematorium. She has specifically asked for NO flowers and that folks dress appropriately, but definitely NOT all funereal black, as it is to be a celebration of Steve's life as we all knew and remember him.
Any donations will go to the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund and Help for Heroes
The event will then move to the Mosset Tavern in Forres for suitable libations and more memories of Steve.
It would help the catering at the Mosset if we can get a feel for how many are likely to attend. Will you let me know by PM if you are likely to be there and I can pass that on.
The Ancient Mariner
Steve's funeral will be on Friday 25th Sep at 1330 in the large chapel at Inverness crematorium. She has specifically asked for NO flowers and that folks dress appropriately, but definitely NOT all funereal black, as it is to be a celebration of Steve's life as we all knew and remember him.
Any donations will go to the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund and Help for Heroes
The event will then move to the Mosset Tavern in Forres for suitable libations and more memories of Steve.
It would help the catering at the Mosset if we can get a feel for how many are likely to attend. Will you let me know by PM if you are likely to be there and I can pass that on.
The Ancient Mariner
This is very sad news.
Yes, I was the co-pilot. Halfway round the first left turn at about 300ft I glanced across the cockpit towards the ground and saw that we were passing right over the top of a cemetery, with a burial in progress. I warned Smiffy as we began the second turn; his response: "CON ME ON, CON ME ON!!" Shame that there can't be Nimrod to repay the compliment to him on the 25th, but there might be a quiet smile or two to be had.
I also remember a heated exchange between him and the then Station Commander as we tried to depart Gander(?) in a snow shower during the return from that trip. Smiffy and I were passengers, and the staish was captain with my newish co-pilot in the right seat. Smiffy made several intercom calls from the starboard beam lookout position to report ice building up on the wing as we taxied for take-off, with no response. Finally, he bellowed (off intercom) up to the flight deck, within earshot of most of the crew, "THERE'S FOOK**N ICE ON THE LEADING EDGES, YOU [
]!" ....direct as always, but with integrity and right on his side.
I was the exchange pilot in Oz a few years after him. He had done up an ancient Austin A30 during his tour, and it was passed down to succeeding RAF exchange pilots over the years. His parting words to me before I left the UK were along the lines of "look after that fook**n car, young lad". It was in a rather sorry state by then though, with no real brakes, several large spiders in residence, and a bent coat hangar as the radio aerial. It worked fine as ID, though, because the gate guards always waved you through. Sadly, but quite understandably, my successor didn't want it so I sold it to an enthusiast for restoration. I hardly dared face Smiffy when I got home...
Rest easy Smiffy and thanks for everything.
On April 20th 1990 he took the Virginia Airshow by storm and beat the 'Blue Angels'. 120 Sqn those were the days!!
I also remember a heated exchange between him and the then Station Commander as we tried to depart Gander(?) in a snow shower during the return from that trip. Smiffy and I were passengers, and the staish was captain with my newish co-pilot in the right seat. Smiffy made several intercom calls from the starboard beam lookout position to report ice building up on the wing as we taxied for take-off, with no response. Finally, he bellowed (off intercom) up to the flight deck, within earshot of most of the crew, "THERE'S FOOK**N ICE ON THE LEADING EDGES, YOU [
]!" ....direct as always, but with integrity and right on his side.I was the exchange pilot in Oz a few years after him. He had done up an ancient Austin A30 during his tour, and it was passed down to succeeding RAF exchange pilots over the years. His parting words to me before I left the UK were along the lines of "look after that fook**n car, young lad". It was in a rather sorry state by then though, with no real brakes, several large spiders in residence, and a bent coat hangar as the radio aerial. It worked fine as ID, though, because the gate guards always waved you through. Sadly, but quite understandably, my successor didn't want it so I sold it to an enthusiast for restoration. I hardly dared face Smiffy when I got home...
Rest easy Smiffy and thanks for everything.
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From across the Pond
The following is relayed from Rowdy Yeats, now living in Alabama,
Yes this is sad news, Steve was a good man and Shipmate. I remember flying with him only once or twice and there was no one quite like him. My most vivid memory of Steve was the day of the Nimrod vs Nimrod race between 42sqn and Aston Martin. I was able to catch most of it on video. The best scene was Steve's low/high speed past as seen from the runway center line, mid field. I was not able to post any condolences on that web page you sent, so if you find a way, please help me get these words to Glyn and his Daughters, my thoughts and prayers are with them. From across the pond, Ray Yeats
Yes this is sad news, Steve was a good man and Shipmate. I remember flying with him only once or twice and there was no one quite like him. My most vivid memory of Steve was the day of the Nimrod vs Nimrod race between 42sqn and Aston Martin. I was able to catch most of it on video. The best scene was Steve's low/high speed past as seen from the runway center line, mid field. I was not able to post any condolences on that web page you sent, so if you find a way, please help me get these words to Glyn and his Daughters, my thoughts and prayers are with them. From across the pond, Ray Yeats
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A sad loss indeed. However he leaves behind a legacy of happy memories and funny stories told in that uniquely dry way of his. From his account of the two rules that hung at the entrance to the family farm and far too rude to repeat here, to his own interpretation of what QFI actually stood for...!
It was an honour and a privilege to have known and worked with him.
RIP Smiffy
It was an honour and a privilege to have known and worked with him.
RIP Smiffy
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A message from Sunray
When 42(TB) Sqn was converting from Nimrod MR1 to Nimrod MR2, Smiffy managed to get a MR2 jet down to St Mawgan to show the Squadron the new aircraft and also get his crew home for a long weekend. Being a brilliant pilot he decided that on the return flight he would show that although with all the new kit it was a heavier jet, it could still perform well. He decided to fly over SHQ fairly low then put on the power and climb away en-route back to Kinloss. There was only one problem with his impromptu flypast, the Station Commander was having a meeting about low flying aircraft with the Mayors of Truro and Bodmin at the time. ATC contacted him and said on arrival at Kinloss he was to contact Sunray St Mawgan. The result of the phone call was never revealed.
Very sorry to read of Steve's demise. To go at his age is desperately bad luck. IIRC fate also dealt him a poor hand around his 38 point when the collapse of Air Europe closed off his nascent airline career.
Does anyone else recall his personalised "RAF" number plate on that Citroen GSA?
YS
Does anyone else recall his personalised "RAF" number plate on that Citroen GSA?
YS
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Steve's Citroen GSA
I remember it well as the RAF registration was due to it being Cornish, Truro registration office. I bought the car from Steve when he left for his exchange tour as he lived in Challis Avenue and I lived in Lanherne Ave round the corner from him. It was a lovely car to drive and comfortable on long journey as I had to drive from my house in St Mawgan Village to Aberdeen overnight due to my mother falling ill. Left at 02:15 and was at Woodend hospital in Aberdeen at 11:45.
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HANGING AROUND...
In the halcyon days of 42 Squadron under Bog-H in the early 80s, I was having a post-flight ale in the 'Scruffs' Bar' at St Mawgan when copilot Steve came in with his crew, including their somewhat vertically-challenged Skipper. There was a row of coat-hooks high on the wall opposite the bar.
The Captain said something to incur Steve's displeasure, so our strong Yorkshire lad grabbed him under the armpits and hung him by his flying suit collar onto a coat hook, which left him unable to escape, his feet some six inches off the ground. Great merriment ensued and we kept the hapless Skipper supplied with pints until Steve released him.
Truly a legend of the sadly defunct Kipper Fleet.
The Captain said something to incur Steve's displeasure, so our strong Yorkshire lad grabbed him under the armpits and hung him by his flying suit collar onto a coat hook, which left him unable to escape, his feet some six inches off the ground. Great merriment ensued and we kept the hapless Skipper supplied with pints until Steve released him.
Truly a legend of the sadly defunct Kipper Fleet.
