Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce ‘Siege of Malta’ D.S.M. group of six awarded to Colour-Sergeant F. O. Smith, Royal Marines, for gallantry ashore with the Bofors’ guns’ crews at Fort St Angelo

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (PO. 22472 F. O. Smith. T/C. Sgt. R.M.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (P.O. 22472 F. O. Smith. Clr. Sgt. R.M.) mounted court style, very fine (6) £2400-3000

D.S.M. London Gazette 6 October 1942: ‘For bravery, endurance and sustained devotion to duty in H.M. Ships.... and at Malta, during and after the passage of an important convoy:- Temporary Colour Sergeant Frank Othen Smith, Royal Marines.’

The original recommendation states:

‘Colour Sergeant F. O. Smith is Sergeant Major of the Royal Marine Detachment in Fort St Angelo. It is doubtful if a finer N.C.O. could be found. In matters of ordinary routine, as under the heaviest action conditions, his manner never changes from that of a calm, cheerful and courageous bearing, inspiring everyone by his example. He has shown outstanding courage and devotion to duty during the heavy air raids on the Dockyard Area during February, March and April, 1942. More than 60 bombs have fallen on the Fort, which is in a very exposed position in the Grand Harbour. The guns’ crews are repeatedly covered with debris and hit by flying rocks and masonry. Nevertheless, the guns’ crews have never ceased to fight the guns. Although not compelled by duty to be with the Bofors guns’ crews, Colour Sergeant Smith has been in constant attendance, and by his coolness, resource and cheerfulness, has been a source of inspiration to all.’

Vice-Admiral, Malta, added, ‘I concur. An outstanding N.C.O. whose courage and bearing have set the finest example to the guns’ crews.’

Ernie Bradford, in Siege: Malta 1940-1943, records: ‘The last raid launched against the aircraft carrier [Illustrious] itself came on Sunday 19 January [1941]. A colour sergeant of the Royal Marines manning one of the guns on top of Fort St Angelo (La Valette’s headquarters in the Great Siege of 1565) described how: “Bombs were dropped in and around all the creeks, causing terrific clouds of dust, flying masonry and iron. Although I did not see it myself, it was stated that a motor car went sailing over the top of us. The dust and spray often blinded our view, but the dive bombers always came on. As they broke through the dust they seemed like hawks looking for their prey.” He added: “You lose all sense of fear and self-preservation while it lasts. You get the same feeling as being at a football final.”’