Acting Captain James Keith Smith was reported missing 13 November 1941 near Gravelines, France, later confirmed as a prisoner of war 14 November 1941. Whilst in captivity he passed the Intermediate and Final Examination of the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants. Member of the Commando Association from Hale, Cheshire.

Escaped 1941/42 for 8 days from Oflag VIB before recapture at Dusseldorf. Ecaped a second time on 30 March 1945 into the woods from a column of march from Oflag IX A/Z but was recaptured. Ten hours later during this march he hid up on a farm but was recaptured. 11/12 April 1945 escaped again from the column of march at dusk and, with the help of a local smallholder who provided food and a safe hiding place in the woods, evaded capture until the arrival of American forces.