On the 26th of July 2025, a Blue Plaque was unveiled to commemorate the significant cultural and historical contribution made by John Smythe. The plaque is erected on the house he lived in in Thame, Oxfordshire and the ceremony was well attended by an eclectic group of people, including the mayor and deputy mayor of Thame, Oxfordshire County Councillors, representatives from the RAF and Lord Williams School, Family and friends. The Mayor welcomed everyone and introduced the Chair of the Blue Plaque Board, Professor Robert Evans, who explained the reason for awarding the plaque to John Smythe. He acknowledged that although there had been recommendations for awards previously to black people in Oxfordshire, John Smythe was the first such person who the Committee believed warranted the award. He then passed the microphone to Eddy Smythe who provided a short talk on his father’s spectacular journey through life.
After the event, refreshments were held for everyone at Eddy’s house where the RAF gave a short presentation about John Smythe. They also awarded the Smythe family with a lovely portrait which was the final act on what was a special day.
John Smythe’s children John, Kathryn and Eddy at the Blue Plaque unveiling for their father, 26th July 2025, Thame, Oxfordshire.
BBC News article about the Blue Plaque event:
Photos and video by Martin Groucho Horseman.
