Military career of Ian Smith

From the Skies to Politics: The Wartime Adventures of Ian Smith

‘Imagine a young man, eager to serve his country, interrupting his studies to join the Royal Air Force during World War II. This is the story of Ian Smith, whose wartime experiences would shape his political career.’

Enlisting in the RAF

Was it a simple decision for Robert Smith to enlist in the air force? In June 1940, he secretly signed up and completed his training within a year. Little did he know that this would be just the beginning of an extraordinary journey.

The Middle East and Beyond

‘Smith flew Hurricanes in North Africa and Iraq, before being involved in an accident in October 1943 that left him with serious facial injuries.’ His first mission took him to the skies over North Africa and Iraq. But fate had other plans; a crash in October 1943 nearly ended his career.

A Recovery and a New Mission

How did Smith recover from such severe injuries? Doctors initially thought he had broken his back, but it was only buckled. A team of skilled surgeons fixed his jaw with bandages and plaster, rebuilt his face, and fitted him for flying again in March 1944.

A New Squadron and a New Role

‘Smith joined No. 237 Squadron in Corsica on May 10th and resumed operational flying two days later.’ After recovering, he was posted to No. 237 Squadron in Corsica, where he flew 10 sorties, including a strafing raid on a railway yard where he was hit by flak.

The Resistance and Survival

How did Smith survive the crash? He bailed out of his plane, landed on a mountain without serious injuries, and hid from German patrols before being rescued by Italian partisans who took him in. After a month, he was promoted to major by Italian partisan commander Antonio Bozzano.

A Journey Home

‘Smith joined the resistance movement and participated in sabotage operations for three months.’ For three months, Smith was part of the resistance, participating in sabotage operations. In October 1944, after the Germans left their local garrison, he told Barbetta he wanted to return to Allied lines.

A Hero’s Welcome

What happened when Smith returned home? He was taken to a local base camp by American troops and then sent to Britain for a six-week refresher course in Shropshire flying Spitfires. After completing the course, he was attached to No. 130 Squadron and flew combat missions over Germany until the war ended on May 7th.

A New Life

‘Smith’s face was reconstructed after a crash in 1943 due to plastic surgery, leaving him with partial paralysis and an expression that seemed somewhat blank.’ His face, though partially paralyzed, retained its unique charm. During his talks with British Prime Minister Harold Wilson in 1966, Smith frequently looked out of a porthole, leading to incorrect interpretations that he was feeling intimidated or seasick.

A Political Career

How did Smith’s wartime experiences influence his political career? He entered politics in 1948 and rose through the ranks with the United Federal Party, becoming Deputy Prime Minister in 1962. After Field’s resignation, he became Prime Minister and unilaterally declared independence for Rhodesia on November 11, 1965.

A Legacy of War

‘Smith was hailed as a war hero and retained his affection for the Spitfire, even wearing an RAF pilot’s tie into old age.’ His reputation as a war hero was often invoked in politics and popular culture. He won several election victories, including decisive wins in 1970, 1974, and 1977. He remained in office until Zimbabwe Rhodesia was established under majority rule in 1979.

Smith’s journey from a young airman to a political leader is a testament to the profound impact that wartime experiences can have on one’s life. His story reminds us of the courage and resilience required in times of conflict, and how these qualities can shape destinies both in war and peace.