A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of four awarded to Sub Lieutenant P. J. Smith, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve

Military Cross, G.V.R. , reverse inscribed, ‘Sub. Lt. P. J. Smith, R.N.V.R., March 24th 1918’, in case of issue; 1914-15 Star (L.Z.582L Sig., R.N.V.R.); British War and Victory Medals (S. Lt., R.N.V.R.) some contact marks, very fine (4) £800-1000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of the late Eric Smith.

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M.C. London Gazette 26 July 1918. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as Battalion Signalling Officer. During a rearguard action he maintained communications with the withdrawing troops under heavy shell and machine gun fire, and by keeping Battalion Headquarters informed as to the situation of the enemy’s advance, he ably assisted in extracting the Battalion from a very serious position’.


Percy Jack Smith was born on 2 June 1893. A Teacher by occupation, he entered into the R.N.V.R. on 14 October 1914. Serving initially as a Signaller, he was appointed to a commission as a Temporary Sub Lieutenant in the R.N.V.R. in January 1916. For his services as a Signalling Officer during the German 1918 Spring Offensive, Smith was awarded the Military Cross. He was wounded (gassed) on 5 April 1918 and was invalided to England. With copied service papers and other research.