Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant A. S. Smith, 14th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, a veteran of Gallipoli, who was wounded, 11 February 1917, and distinguished himself on the Somme by bayoneting 5 Germans and capturing 2 during a raid on an enemy post. Sergeant Smith was killed in action during the attack on Morcourt, near Amiens, 8 August 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (293 A. Sjt: A. S. Smith. 14/Aust: Inf:); British War and Victory Medals (2014 Sgt. A. S. Smith. 2-F.A. Amb. A.I.F.) mounted for display, very fine (3) £600-£800

M.M. London Gazette 21 October 1918. The original recommendation states:

‘For gallantry and conspicuous bravery during the raid on the Bois de Vaire, East of Corbie on the 15th June 1918. When in command of a section after scuppering an enemy post 10 Huns emerged from the crop and advanced against them. He at once charged the party killing five with the bayonet, capturing two and dispersing on two occasions on the objective. He bandaged wounded men of his section and later he brought the rest of his party back intact. He set a fine example and showed great leadership.’

A. S. Smith was born in Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia in 1895. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 21 October 1914. Smith served in Gallipoli prior to serving in the French theatre of war from 1916 (entitled to 1914-15 Star). He received a gun shot wound to the right leg, 11 February 1917, and distinguished himself with the 14th Australian Infantry Battalion on the Somme, 15 June 1918.

Sergeant Smith was killed in action during the attack on Morcourt, near Amiens, 8 August 1918. The attack was a success, however, the Battalion suffered casualties of one officer and 17 other ranks killed, one officer and 5 other ranks died of wounds and 4 officers and 52 other ranks wounded. Sergeant Smith is buried in the Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery, Somme.