James Churchill SMITH

Place of birthNorwood, South Australia
Other NamesSmith, James Charles
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationClerk
AddressVictoria Street, Prospect, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation20
Next of kinFather, James Churchill Smith, Victoria Street, Prospect, South Australia
Enlistment date12 July 1915
Rank on enlistment2nd Lieutenant
Unit name10th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A68 Anchises on 2 September 1915
Rank from Nominal RollMajor
Unit from Nominal Roll50th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Mention in Despatches


Awarded, and promulgated, 'Commonwealth Gazette' No 124 (30 October 1919).

FateReturned to Australia 15 November 1919
Miscellaneous details (Nominal Roll)No details of fate recorded on Nominal Roll.
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Plaque in Garden of Remembrance, Victoria.
Medals

Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry during opersations. He held an isolated and exposed flank under heavy artillery and machine gun fire. He was repeatedly attacked, but succeeded in driving off the enemy.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No 62
Date: 19 April 1917

Bar to Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry in action. He carried out a most valuable reconnaissance under very heavy fire, displaying great courage and determination. Later he traced out a trench with tape to enable the working parties to dig through the night.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No 62
Date: 19 April 1917

Discharge date2 March 1920
Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Ypiringa', 15 November 1919; discharged (appointment terminated), 2 March 1920.

Medals: Military Cross & Bar, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal