World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Maryport, Cumberland, England, he served as a Sergeant in the 1/5th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, British Army. At Serre, France, on the dates of August 21-23, 1918, while in command of a platoon, Sergeant Smith personally took a machine gun post with rifle and bayonet, killing at least six of the enemy. Later he led his men to the assistance of another platoon he saw in difficulties, took command and captured the objective. During the counter attack the next day he led forward a section and restored a portion of the line. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, at age 19, he became the youngest soldier of World War I to be awarded the Victoria Cross. During the early stages of World War II, he served as a Quartermaster Lieutenant in the Lancashire Fusiliers and was killed in action at Bucquoy, France.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Maryport, Cumberland, England, he served as a Sergeant in the 1/5th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, British Army. At Serre, France, on the dates of August 21-23, 1918, while in command of a platoon, Sergeant Smith personally took a machine gun post with rifle and bayonet, killing at least six of the enemy. Later he led his men to the assistance of another platoon he saw in difficulties, took command and captured the objective. During the counter attack the next day he led forward a section and restored a portion of the line. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, at age 19, he became the youngest soldier of World War I to be awarded the Victoria Cross. During the early stages of World War II, he served as a Quartermaster Lieutenant in the Lancashire Fusiliers and was killed in action at Bucquoy, France.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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