We regret to advise that Maurie Smith passed away on Monday 2nd March 2026 at the age of 102. Maurie was the last active Odd Bod in our association, and highly respected not only for his contribution to the war effort, and his support of the Odd Bods, but the friendly, engaging nature he exhibited throughout life – a true gentleman.
If you would like to write something about Maurie, a comment, anecdote, or simply expressing your thoughts, please click on the comment link at the bottom of this page or send an email to friendsofoddbods@gmail.com
Maurie has featured in many aspects of our association. His story “Homeward Bound” is our second most read article, and his regular attendance at functions and events meant we have seen his smiling face in many published photographs.
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| Maurie and Frank Sims ANZAC Reunion 2021 |
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| Maurie 2nd from right VE Day 2017 |
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| Maurie, on the right, Wesley College Service |
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| Maurie at his 100th birthday celebration. |
He attended the Commemorative Plaque Dedication Ceremony for the Odd Bods at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra in 2020, and regularly attended ANZAC Day, VE Day, and Wesley College ceremonies. Maurie was a great contributor to the Odd Bods.
Maurie was also a long term member of the Melbourne Cricket Club, and often joked that he did not intend to leave this earth until he became the number one ticket holder.He did achieve number one, and in fact during the live telecast of the Collingwood/St.Kilda football match at the MCG on Sunday 8th March 2026 commentator Brian Taylor mentioned that the MCC’s longest serving member had recently passed away at the age of 102. Yes, that was Maurie.
Not only did he become the number one member, but he was the longest serving MCC member ever, and he was mentioned on prime time TV during an AFL match. We think that Maurie has surpassed his expectations for MCC fame.
Maurie and Odd Bod, Weston Bate, had an interesting association, here recalled by our President, Peter Randell –
“So, from my understanding, Maurie and Weston grew up in the same town/suburb- not sure where unfortunately and went to primary and secondary school together
They lost track of each other after school until meeting in a hangar in the UK as part of Bomber Commands “find your own crew” system
Weston as a pilot needed a Wireless/air gunner and Maurie
needed a pilot
Perfect match!
Neither knew the other had joined up to the RAAF but they
were so happy to reconnect
They underwent their basic flying together, moving onto a
heavy conversion unit flying the mighty Lancaster
I’m not sure whether they were still in an operational
training unit or a formal squadron when the war ended but they hadn’t been on
an op as such
Weston recalled how grateful they were for VE Day- “it meant
we’d survived and were safe” he told me
They came back to Australia and kept in touch, being keen
golfers and both joined the Odd Bods when it came into being, remaining members
until the wind up
It was at one of the Leonda “ladies lunches” that Maurie
celebrated his 90th birthday with Weston at his table, having also turned 90
earlier that year
After Weston’s death Maurie kept in close contact with Janice
Bate, providing an ongoing link to Weston for them both
It was an amazing journey for both Maurie and Weston through
all those years.”
As noted
above, Maurie was a regular attendee at Wesley College ANZAC Commemorations,
and at this year’s presentation of the George V. Smith Award at the Wesley
assembly on 23rd April 2026, he will receive a special mention.
Vale Maurice Smith, an aviation veteran, a significant contributor to the Odd Bods, and a true gentleman.
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