'For conspicuous courage and coolness in action during the attack on PERONNE on 1st September 1918. This N.C.O. when in Charge of a Lewis Gun displayed great initiative in the early part of the advance in supplying covering fire for his Platoon. During the greater part of the advance he used his gun from the hip and was successful in gaining superiority of fire thus enabling his platoon to advance. Later while covering the consolidation of his Company he was almost surrounded by the enemy; however he brought his gun into action and was successful in beating them off. He kept his gun firing until it was put out of action by a direct hit. Smith at once returned to his Company, procured another gun and brought it into action inflicting great losses on the enemy and silencing two enemy Machine Guns.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Regimental number	4852
Place of birth	Bega, New South Wales
Religion	Roman Catholic
Occupation	Labourer
Address	Towamba, via Eden, New South Wales
Marital status	Single
Age at embarkation	27
Height	5' 7.25"
Weight	140 lbs
Next of kin	Father, J S Smith, Towamba, via Eden, New South Wales
Previous military service	Nil
Enlistment date	13 August 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll	16 August 1915
Rank on enlistment	Private
Unit name	1st Battalion, 15th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number	23/18/4
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A15 Star Of England on 8 March 1916
Rank from Nominal Roll	Private
Unit from Nominal Roll	53rd Battalion
Fate	Returned to Australia 18 July 1919
Medals	Military Medal 'For conspicuous courage and coolness in action during the attack on PERONNE on 1st September 1918. This N.C.O. when in Charge of a Lewis Gun displayed great initiative in the early part of the advance in supplying covering fire for his Platoon. During the greater part of the advance he used his gun from the hip and was successful in gaining superiority of fire thus enabling his platoon to advance. Later while covering the consolidation of his Company he was almost surrounded by the enemy; however he brought his gun into action and was successful in beating them off. He kept his gun firing until it was put out of action by a direct hit. Smith at once returned to his Company, procured another gun and brought it into action inflicting great losses on the enemy and silencing two enemy Machine Guns.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115 Date: 10 October 1919
Discharge date	23 October 1919
Other details	War service: Egypt, Western Front Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Takada', 18 July 1919; discharged (termination of period of enlistment), 23 October 1919. Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal Also served in World War II: Service No N278874.
Sources	NAA: B2455, SMITH Albert Edward Lonsdale

Albert Edward Lonsdale SMITH