Major Maurice Leblanc-Smith (23 February 1896 - 29 October 1986) was a World War I

World War I

World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...

 flying ace

Flying ace

A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...

 credited with seven aerial victories.

Leblanc-Smith was the son of Stanley le Blanc Smith

Stanley le Blanc Smith

Stanley le Blanc Smith was an English rower who won several events at Henley Royal Regatta including Silver Goblets.Smith was born at Barnet, Hertfordshire, the son of Rev. Thomas Tunstall Smith then curate there, who became vicar of Wirksworth for 42 years, and his wife Lucy Mary le Blanc. He...

 and his wife Amy Harris and was christened Maurice Smith. His father, who had been a successful rower

Rowing (sport)

Rowing is a sport in which athletes race against each other on rivers, on lakes or on the ocean, depending upon the type of race and the discipline. The boats are propelled by the reaction forces on the oar blades as they are pushed against the water...

, was on the London stock-exchange, and his occupation allowed the family to live in substantial comfort at Leatherhead

Leatherhead

Leatherhead is a town in the County of Surrey, England, on the River Mole, part of Mole Valley district. It is thought to be of Saxon origin...

, in Surrey

Surrey

Surrey is a county in the South East of England and is one of the Home Counties. The county borders Greater London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire. The historic county town is Guildford. Surrey County Council sits at Kingston upon Thames, although this has been part of...

. Maurice gradually incorporated his father's name into his own. He gained his flying certificate on July 14, 1915, at Brooklands. He flew with RFC squadrons 18 and 23. Flying Sopwith Camels, he claimed seven victories, including two Fokker DR.1 tri-planes and two of the highly-acclaimed Fokker D.VIIs.