Printed from Woolley & Wallis

Description

The North West Europe Military Cross to Lieutenant (Acting Captain) John Walter Smith, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers: Military Cross, George VI, reverse engraved '1945' to lower arm, with fitted case of issue and named transmission slip in card outer box; display mounted with an associated* collection of campaign awards, comprising: 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45; together with a campaign medal transmission slip indicating entitlement to four* awards, and two press cuttings.

M.C. London Gazette 11/10/1945

Born in about 1919, John Walter Smith was the only son of Lieutenant-Commander Walter Smith, R.N., and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the R.A.C. in September 1943. His M.C. was gazetted in October 1945 for "gallant and distinguished services in North-West Europe" while serving as Acting Captain in 8th Infantry Brigade Workshop R.E.M.E., part of British 3rd Division. The recommendation describes his remarkable courage and leadership qualities in directing forward vehicle recoveries in circumstances of extreme danger in the early months of 1945. In one notable incident on the 24th of March he undertook the recovery of a D4 tractor from the South bank of the Rhine opposite Rees under heavy machine gun and mortar fire. After an arduous approach to the vehicle, it was taken in tow, and Smith ordered his men into the relative safety of their ARV while he took the exposed position on the seat of the tractor. "He has at all times displayed excellent leadership of his men and set an inspiring example by himself choosing, rather than delegating, the most dangerous tasks."

* Confirmed entitlement is to the 1939-45 Star, France & Germany Star, Defence Medal and War Medal only.