Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant

Unit:

Special Service Battalion (SSB), 11th South African Armoured Brigade, 6th South African Armoured Division, South African Army

Awarded on:

April 29th, 1945

"On 23 Apr 45 during the advance of the forward tanks of the 1 SSB to the River PANARO opposite FINALE, fanatical resistance from Paratroop bazooka teams was encountered in area L868855. Lieut Smethurst and his platoon were given the task of assisting the tanks to clear them. During this action in which the platoon accounted for numerous snipers, spandau and bazooka nests, Liuet Smethurst, with complete disregard for personal safety, exposed himself to fire continuously in the necessary liaison between the tanks and his forward men. It was mainly due to his brilliant leadership and constant encouragement and example that the pocket was eventually wiped out. During a fierce tussle with one MG nest situated in a house he was severely wounded but refused to be evacuated until he had satisfied himself that all was well and had given the platoon serjeant a complete picture of the situation."