Howard Wolsey SMITH

Regimental number4870
Place of birthSydney New South Wales
Other NamesSMITH, Howard Walsey
ReligionMethodist
OccupationFarmer
AddressJunee, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation19
Next of kinFather, David Smith, Main Street, Junee, New South Wales
Enlistment date2 November 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll2 December 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name31st Battalion, 13th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/48/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A18 Wiltshire on 7 February 1917
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll31st Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 7 July 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'During the operations of 29th and 30th September and 1st October this man displayed courage of a very high standard. During the advance one of the tanks was hit by a shell and commenced to burn. Without the slightest hesitation, and regardless of the danger from exploding shells and ammunition he went into the tank and rescued two of the crew, and thereafter proceeded to bandage them in the face of heavy artillery and machine gun fire. His bearing throughout set a fine example to his comrades.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal