Orders, Decorations and Medals

A regimentally unique Second World War North Africa operations M.M. and Burma operations Bar group of eight awarded to Sergeant G. T. H. Smith, Essex Regiment

Military Medal, G.VI.R., with Second Award Bar (6012886 Sjt. G. T. H. Smith, Essex), this with official corrections; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, these named ‘Boots-style’ ‘6012886 Sjt. G. T. H. Smith, Essex Regt.’; Korea 1950-53 (22517087 Sgt. G. T. H. Smith, M.M., Essex), the edge also stamped ‘Duplicate’; U.N. Korea 1950-54, together with official replacement Military Medal, G.VI.R., with Second Award Bar (6012886 Cpl. G. T. H. Smith, Essex R.), with swivelling suspension, the edge also stamped ‘Duplicate’, contact marks, generally very fine or better (9) £3000-3500

M.M. London Gazette 24 February 1942. The original recommendation states:

‘This N.C.O. was in charge of a 3-inch mortar detachment attached to ‘B’ Company, 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment.

On 29 November 1941, when the enemy advanced with tanks, Corporal Smith maintained his mortar in action close to the forward defensive locations for over two hours whilst his position was being shelled and mortared and eventually shot at by tanks at close range. During the whole of this time, he was calm and cheerful and was of the greatest value in keeping up the spirits of the men round him.

Later, as enemy infantry advanced, Corporal Smith continued to maintain his mortar in action inflicting considerable losses on the enemy, although most of the men around him were casualties. Eventually his position was over-run by two tanks. He then joined the remnants of the Company with the remaining men of his detachment and himself twice did excellent work by going out to within 30 yards of the enemy positions in order to obtain valuable information.

His conduct throughout was a fine example to others.’


Bar to M.M. London Gazette 8 February 1945. The original recommendation states:

‘This N.C.O. is a 3-inch mortar detachment commander.

He has on three occasions shown a complete disregard of enemy fire and produced excellent results in a most difficult terrain.

In addition, he led a patrol on 24 April 1944 and located a Japanese post. His patrol came under close range light machine-gun and rifle fire and were pinned down. Sergeant Smith, covered by two other men, charged the Japanese light machine-gun post which was 8 to 10 strong. The Japanese bolted. He killed one Jap and Private Grimwood, covering him, killed another, and between them they killed a third. They followed the Japanese up about half a mile. On the return journey they checked up on one of the Japanese casualties. Sergeant Smith volunteered to take out this patrol.

He has been a fine example to all ranks on all occasions.’


Sold with an Army Medal Office letter confirming that Smith was issued with a replacement set of medals in November 1970; together with two copied photographs.