Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War M.M. group of six awarded to Gunner L. K. Smith, Royal Canadian Artillery

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (M66026 Gnr. L. K. Smith. R.C.A.); in case of issue; 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, all in card boxes of issue, extremely fine (6) £700-£900

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 re-laying 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 has worked with him knew that when Gunner Smith was on the R/T set, if it were humanly possible, the orders would be passed.

On 26 February 1945 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 the 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, United States of America on 27 October 1917, and attested for the Royal Canadian Artillery at Edmonton, Alberta, on 13 July 1941. He served with them during the Second World War as an Observation Post Signaller in North West Europe from D-Day, 6 June 1944, and was awarded the Military Medal, before being discharged on 14 January 1947.

Sold with the recipient’s Canadian Army Soldier’s Service and Pay Book; and copied research.