The AIF Project

Reuben Clarence SMITH

Regimental number2489
Place of birthBungendore New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationBoundary rider
AddressCurrandooley, Bungendore, New South Wales
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation20
Next of kinWife, Mrs Marguerite Smith, Currandooley, Bungendore, New South Wales
Enlistment date11 March 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name56th Battalion, 5th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/73/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A60 Aeneas on 30 September 1916
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll56th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 3 September 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'He was in charge of a Lewis Gun Section during the attack on PERONNE on 1st September 1918. His Section came under very heavy artillery, rifle and Machine Gun fire and casualties were very severe. The work of re-organisation was tackled in a very business like manner by Private Smith and in a short time he had collected all his team and gear together. By collecting men from completely disorganised sections he brought his team up to strength and handled them in a very masterful way. His personal coolness, initiative, endurance and devotion to duty were an inspiring example to all ranks. I recommend that he be awarded the Military Medal.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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