Spitfire X4479 at Leconfield airfield.
At 19.00hrs on 9th September 1941 on the completion of a formation flying exercise this 610 Squadron aircraft an approach to land at Leconfield airfield but during the approach the pilot lost sight of the runway owing to it descending low slightly too early. The pilot made it to the airfield but a heavy landing was then made on just the starboard wheel. This caused the tyre to burst and eventually the undercarriage leg collapsed.
Pilot - Sgt Lawrence Arthur Smith RAFVR (1377222).
Lawrence Smith served with 610 Squadron for a significant period. He was awarded the DFC for service with 610 Squadron, Gazetted on 20th November 1942. He was killed on 10th February 1943 when 610 Squadron Spitfire EE724 crashed in France. He is buried at Bayeux War Cemetery, France.