He left Bede College School, Sunderland at 14 after the death of his merchant navy sea captain father[1] to work in his mother's ironmongery store and then set up his own business.

93 Squadron RAF and took part in Operation Torch flying from Algeria and he shot down four Focke-Wulf Fw 190 fighters and other aircraft.

[3] On 4 November 1941, the then Pilot Officer Alan Smith, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No.

In combat, he has been of great support to his leader on numerous occasionsOn 16 February 1943, Flight Lieutenant Alan Smith DFC, Royal Air Force Reserve, No.

His great skill, and fine example have inspired the formation he leads.On 1 January 1976, as chairman of Dawson International, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the new year honours.

[9] On 12 June 1982, he was appointed a Knight Batchelor as chairman and chief executive of Dawson International in the Queen's Birthday Honours.