A Collection of Medals to the Durham Light Infantry and associated units

A Second World War M.M. group of six to Lance-Corporal L. W. Smith, Durham Light Infantry

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (5727411 L. Cpl., Durh. L.I.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, good very fine and better (6) £900-1000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the Durham Light Infantry and associated units.

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M.M. London Gazette 31 August 1944. Recommendation states: ‘5727411 A/U/L/Cpl. Leslie Smith, 9th Bn. The Durham Light Infantry.’ ‘On the afternoon of the 13th June 44 near Bernieres-Bocage there were two sections of carriers in support of B Coy. 9 D.L.I. During the attack the carrier commander’s carrier was hit by an anti tank shell. In the confusion immediately following L/Cpl. Smith was conspicuous in rallying the carriers. Eventually the carriers were withdrawn behind B Coy. H.Q. L/Cpl. Smith then volunteered to collect the wounded. In face of enemy M.G. fire he drove in front of the enemy posts four times. He drove the carrier himself and collected the wounded without help other than smoke and supporting fire from a troop of tanks behind him. It was not until he satisfied himself that all that could be done had been done that Cpl. Smith returned to his own lines. His example was an inspiration to those who witnessed him and he showed great devotion to duty and a complete disregard of his own safety’.