TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Smith, Patrick Yvo Hugh

Date of birth:
August 4th, 1900
Date of death:
January 30th, 1975
Service number:
72942
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Flight Lieutenant
Awarded on:
January 1st, 1941
Mentioned in Dispatches
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Squadron Leader
Awarded on:
January 14th, 1945
Mentioned in Dispatches
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Squadron Leader
Awarded on:
September 14th, 1945
Citation:
"This officer has been attached to Headquarters Special Air Service Troops since its formation as Royal Air Force Liaison Officer. He accomplished most valuable work during the preparatory stages in training the Special Air Service troops for parachuting. In June 1944, Squadron Leader Smith operated with the French Special Air Service troops in Brittany, where he achieved notable success in liaison with the French units. Subsequently he put an American Armed [sic, Armoured ?] Division in contact with the French Battalion operating in that district. In August 1944, this officer set out from Normandy and delivered ten armoured jeeps to a French Parachute Battalion operating south of the Loire. This entailed penetrating the enemy lines, and it was largely through his initiative and skill that the mission was accomplished successfully. More recently, Squadron Leader Smith has served with the Belgian Special Air Service troops and has accomplished most valuable work with them. Throughout all these operations this officer has been the sole British representative working with Allied units, and by his courage and coolness in action he has gained the admiration of all those with whom he has served."
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Squadron Leader
Awarded on:
January 1st, 1946
Mentioned in Dispatches
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Squadron Leader
Awarded on:
January 23rd, 1948
Citation (general):
"In recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with the war."

With Palme.
Officier in de Orde van Leopold II
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Squadron Leader
Awarded on:
January 23rd, 1948
Citation (general):
"In recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with the war:"

With Palme.
Croix de Guerre 1940

Sources

Photo