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Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 705

(x) The M.M. pair awarded to Private H. Smith, 19th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force

Military Medal, G.V.R. (6144 Private H. Smith. 19/Aust:Infy:); Victory Medal 1914-19 (6144 Pte. H. Smith. M.M. 19Bn. A.I.F.), good very fine (2)

M.M. London Gazette 13 March 1919, the original recommendation states:

'When his Lewis gun section has [SIC] almost run out of ammunition during the attack on Mt. St. Quentin, on 31st August, 1918, Pte. Smith showed exceptional bravery by continually going out into the open, although under direct observation and heavy enemy machine gun fire, in order to collection ammunition from dead and wounded men. By this method he kept his gun amply supplied for several hours and was eventually dangerously wounded while continuing the work. His remarkable daring and fearlessness in overcoming a serious difficulty was a noble example.'

Horace Smith was born on 30 May 1880 at Bristol with the name William Lloyd Gudridge. He enlisted with the British Navy when a child and served until 1913 deserted at Sydney, going under the name of Horace Smith.

Enlisting at Sydney on 25 July 1916 he was posted to the Australian Imperial Force and arrived Devonport on 28 December 1916. He was posted to the 19th Battalion in France on 1 April 1917, just prior to the action at Hangard Wood which saw Lieutenant Percy Storkey win the Victoria Cross. They were present for the Spring Offensive and then formed part of the spearhead of the Allied advance during the Hundred Days.

Smith was present for the attack on Hill St. Quentin, earning plaudits for his bravery on 31 August. He suffered a gunshot wound to the head the next day and taken to the 53rd Casualty Clearing Station. Dying of wounds on 2 September he was buried at Dourlers Communal Cemetery Extension.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£750

Starting price
£140