Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Petty Officer Mechanic S. J. Smith, Royal Naval Air Service

1914 Star, with clasp (F. 330 Ldg. Mech., R.N.A.S.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf (F. 330 P.O.M., R.N.A.S.) very fine and better (3) £120-150

Sidney John Smith, who was born at Hascombe, Surrey in August 1889, was by profession a motor mechanic. Entering the Royal Navy in September 1914, he was appointed a Leading Mechanic in the R.N.A.S. and would appear to have served at Dunkirk between April 1915 and February 1916. More certain is the fact that Smith was mentioned in despatches for zeal and devotion to duty during the period 1 July to 31 December 1917 (London Gazette 1 May 1918 refers), and ended his Naval career at R.N.A.S. Newlyn, part of Daedalus, when he was transferred to the strength of the Royal Air Force in April 1918.