When was HTL Smith promoted to flight lieutenant?

**Rob Stuart** · 11th November 2022, 13:09

In April 1942, when he was serving with 11 Squadron, 89370 Hugh Thomas Leoni Smith was a flying officer. He was a flight lieutenant in 1945 but I've been unable to find out when he was promoted to that rank and knowing the date of his promotion would help me to date a photo in which he appears. Would anyone be able to help?

TIA

Rob

**paulmcmillan** · 11th November 2022, 13:17

Fl/Lt Smith, H. T. L. (w) 24Nov 1942 - War Substantive

**Rob Stuart** · 11th November 2022, 14:05

Paul, thanks very much for this.

If I may ask two supplementary questions:

1. Was Smith RAFVR or did he join the RAF proper during the war?

2. Is it possible that Smith was promoted to flight lieutenant on a probationary or temporary basis prior to his promotion to that rank on a War Substantive basis?

Rob

**paulmcmillan** · 11th November 2022, 15:59

Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
As Pilot Officers on probation.
Leading Aircraftmen

21st Dec. 1940.
(Seniority 24th Nov. 1940.)
906255 Hugh Thomas Leomi SMITH (89370)

Plt. Offs. (prob.) to be confirmed in their appts.
and to be Flg. Offs. (war subs.): —
21st Dec. 1941.
H. T. L. SMITH (89370). (Seny. 24th Nov. 1941.)

Flg. Offs. to be Flt. Lts. (war subs.): —
21st Dec. 1942. (Seny. 24th Nov. 1942.)
H. T. L. SMITH (89370).

**David Duxbury** · 12th November 2022, 01:09

I think you will have to get the date this (F/L) promotion was actually gazetted to get a more useful date which would be a much more reliable indication of when he was informed of this promotion. Of course the individual concerned would get the pay he was owed paid (appropriate to his old and new rank) into his account only AFTER it was gazetted.
David D

**cozzy711** · 12th November 2022, 04:30

The ORB for 11 Squadron has an entry for 10th June 1943 referring to the promotion to F/Lt of F/O Smith. He is referred to as F/O prior to this and F/Lt after this.

Chris

**Rob Stuart** · 12th November 2022, 22:04

According to the entry at https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...upplement/2051, which I've found just now, Smith's promotion to F/Lt, effective 21 December 1942 with seniority from 24 November 1942, was not gazetted until 7 May 1943.

Many thanks everyone for your very helpful assistance.

Rob