The AIF Project

James William SMITH

Regimental number15593
Place of birthGrila New South Wales
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationLocomotive driver
AddressFourth Street, Pelaw Main, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Next of kinFather, J Smith, Fourth Street, Pelaw Main, New South Wales
Enlistment date4 September 1915
Rank on enlistmentGunner
Unit nameReinforcement 5
AWM Embarkation Roll number13/33/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A40 Ceramic on 14 April 1916
Rank from Nominal RollDriver
Unit from Nominal Roll5th Field Artillery Brigade
FateReturned to Australia 15 January 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Driver SMITH was engaged on ammunition supply on the night of 25th October, 1917, in the BROODSEINDE operations (east of YPRES). The N.C.O. in charge of the mules considered it inadvisable to attempt to get through with the convoy. Driver SMITH went on alone with his mules and delivered his ammunition returning for another supply through an intense barrage. The action took place at night and was an example of his total disregard to all hostile conditions in the execution of his duty during operations on the YPRES Front since 19th July, 1917.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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