A Second War ‘North West Europe’ M.M. awarded to Gunner L. K. Smith, Observation Post Signaller, 13th Canadian Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, recommended for his gallantry for service from D-Day to the Battle of Keppeln, 26 February 1945

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (M 66026 Gnr. L. K. Smith. R.C.A.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal, Canadian issue in silver; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, with overseas clasp; War Medal 1939-45, Canadian issue in silver, campaign awards in card boxes of issue, with Canadian Army Soldier’s Service and Pay Book, generally good very fine or better (6) £1,000-£1,400

M.M. London Gazette 24 January 1946. The original recommendation states:

‘Gunner Lionel Kenneth Smith has acted as Observation Post Signaller from “D” Day, until the cessation of hostilities. As such, he has been continuously with the forward infantry troops relaying the fire orders to the guns during all the fighting.

During this long period, he has consistently, under the most difficult conditions, remained at his wireless set. At times, when it was advisable for everyone else to take cover, he continued to pass the necessary orders. Every Forward Observation Officer, who worked with him, knew that when Gunner Smith was on the R/T set, if it were humanely possible, the orders would be passed.

On 26 Feb 45, he was the R/T operator with the Artillery Forward Observation Officer with ‘B’ Company of the North Shore Regiment of Canada in their attack on Keppeln. This battle ranks with the toughest and finest of the war. ‘B’ and ‘C’ companies were reinforced by ‘A’ and ‘D’ companies. The Forward Observation Officer was wounded and replaced. Gunner Smith manned his set from the start to the finish of the battle.

This is an example of this soldier’s steady, reliable service throughout the campaign.’

Lionel Kenneth Smith was born in Starkweather, North Dakota, USA in October 1917. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Artillery at Edmonton, Canada in July 1941. He served with the 13th Canadian Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery during the Second War. Smith was discharged in January 1947.