- SURNAME
Smith
- FORENAME
Harold
- UNIT
40 Commando
- RANK
Sergeant
- NUMBER
PO/X 105414
- AWARD
Military Medal, Mention in Despatches
- PLACE
Italy and Dalmatian Islands 1944-45 (MM), Italy 1st April - 8th May 1945 (MiD)
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Stockport
educated St. Paul's School
served Sicily, Italy, Greece, Albania, Yugoslavia
resided 143 Great Portwood Street, Stockport
5 years RM CDOS
employed by H.H. Carroll and Co., Ltd, Portwood
London Gazette 37505, 15th March 1946, Page 1441 (MM)
CITATION:
Military Medal : This NCO has served with the unit from GARLIGLIANO to ARGENTA and has made a lasting impression on all ranks. Although out of the line he is of a quiet unassuming nature he performs his administrative duties with the utmost efficiency. Once on the battlefield, however, he undergoes a complete mental and physical change and conducts himself with great gallantry and coolness. His acts of bravery are too numerous to cite individually although the following have contributed to his legendary fame within the Unit. At ANZIO his Sec Comd was wounded at an early stage in the battle. The sec was in an isolated position and although wounded himself in the arm and legs Sgt SMITH refused to recognize defeat and held his section to its position until relieved the following day.
On the DALMATION Island of BRAC his Sec Comd was killed at a critical stage in the battle. Left alone to conduct his def, Sgt SMITH found that his men had expended their ammunition and that the enemy, vastly superior in numbers, had encircled the position. Emerging once more indefatigable in adversity, Sgt SMITH gave the order to fix bayonets and fought his sec back to a beach-head in the face of heavy fire and strongly pressing enemy. Later that night he went back with a patrol to recover the dead left behind in the withdrawal, although he was forced to retire by accurate SA fire.
At SARANDE, LAKE COMMACHIO and MENATE Sgt SMITH displayed the same sterling qualities of leadership and bravery which the unit had come to expect of him. In Op 'IMPACT' (MENATE) the unit suffered its most serious reverse and cas were hy. Throughout a critical period, with Unit morale at its lowest ebb, Sgt SMITH with his customary brilliance, encouraged, exhorted and inspired his sec to such good effect that it was able with the remainder of the Unit to win through to the final objective.
Twice previously recommended for decorations, this NCO has given little thought to personal recognition, and has never allowed personal consideration to influence his selfless devotion to duty. It is strongly recommended that Sgt SMITH's outstanding service with the unit over a long operational period, be given the recognition it deserves.
On the DALMATION Island of BRAC his Sec Comd was killed at a critical stage in the battle. Left alone to conduct his def, Sgt SMITH found that his men had expended their ammunition and that the enemy, vastly superior in numbers, had encircled the position. Emerging once more indefatigable in adversity, Sgt SMITH gave the order to fix bayonets and fought his sec back to a beach-head in the face of heavy fire and strongly pressing enemy. Later that night he went back with a patrol to recover the dead left behind in the withdrawal, although he was forced to retire by accurate SA fire.
At SARANDE, LAKE COMMACHIO and MENATE Sgt SMITH displayed the same sterling qualities of leadership and bravery which the unit had come to expect of him. In Op 'IMPACT' (MENATE) the unit suffered its most serious reverse and cas were hy. Throughout a critical period, with Unit morale at its lowest ebb, Sgt SMITH with his customary brilliance, encouraged, exhorted and inspired his sec to such good effect that it was able with the remainder of the Unit to win through to the final objective.
Twice previously recommended for decorations, this NCO has given little thought to personal recognition, and has never allowed personal consideration to influence his selfless devotion to duty. It is strongly recommended that Sgt SMITH's outstanding service with the unit over a long operational period, be given the recognition it deserves.
WEB LINKS:
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37505/supplement/1441/ (MiD)https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7369921 (MM)
NATIONAL ARCHIVES:
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7369921 (MM)
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