Sgt. Navigator Maurice Smith, RAF, of which the above is a portrait*, reported missing on 17th December, 1943, while on operational duty, is now officially presumed killed on that date. Sgt. Smith was the only son of Mr and Mrs Smith, Averon, Fortrose, and who are at present living in Glasgow. His maternal grandparents were the late Mr and Mrs Mackay, Shantullich Farm, Munlochy. Deceased, who was just 26 years of age, served his apprenticeship in the Fortrose branch of the Bank of Scotland, and was on the staff of the Tain branch when he joined up. He received his early training in Canada and passed through his course so successfully that he was recommended for a commission. While in Canada he spent his leaves with Mrs Bannerman, Toronto, a sister of Mr Colin Macdonald, Achterneed (the new member of the Scottish Land Court), who are cousins of his mother. The only sister of the deceased is a corporal in the WAAFs and serving in England. Both the sister and brother in their early days spent their school holidays with their cousins at Teanahoun Farm, Conon. Much sympathy is extended to Mr and Mrs Smith in the loss of a devoted son.