The AIF Project

War service: Egypt (did not serve at Gallipoli)

Admitted to 2nd Australian General Hospital, Ghezireh, 21 November 1915; rejoined unit from hospital, 1 February 1916.

Found guilty by Field General Court Martial of (1) conduct to the prejudice of good order and Military Discipline in that he at Maadi on 4/2/16 while in the Guard Room awaiting trial said to the other prisoners when they were asked for their names & numbers by Cpl Chenn MMP, 'Don't give him your names' in consequence Cpl Chenn was unable to obtain the names as the men refused; (2) Disobeying in such a manner as to showe a wilful defiance of Authority, a lawful command given personally by his Superior Officer in the execution of his Office, in that he at Maadi on 4/2/16 when personnaly ordered by Lieut. Jordan APM, to give his number & name, did not do so, saying 'the Sergt. of the Guard has it': awarded 3 months' imprisonment with Hard Labour. Sentence confirmed, and imprisonment commuted to Field Punishment No 2, and 42 days of the FP No 2 remitted, 24 February 1916.

Captain W.A. Kendall, OC 2nd Veterinary Section, 7 February 1916, noted Smith's disciplinary records over the previous 12 months: twice absent from parade; twice absent without leave; once improper conduct to an NCO; once insubordination to CO; once insubordination to an NCO; once conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline; once disobeying a lawful command given personally by his superior officer.

Commenced return to Australia from Suez on board HT 'Seang Bee', 29 April 1916 (services no longer required as an 'undesirable'); disembarked Melbourne, 31 May 1916; discharged, Melbourne, 1 June 1916.