Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

4th Field Company (IE), 4th Indian Infantry Division, British Indian Army

Awarded on:

October 14th, 1949

"Major G.V.J.M. Smith R.E. was the commander of 4 Fd. Coy. I.E. where it moved up from Central Greece into West Macedonia on 18 March '45, with the task of opening up communications with the outer districts of Western Macedonia, an essential aid to the distribution of relief to the Greek people of this territory. Major Smith displayed determination and resourcefulness in organising the small number of men and vehicles and stores at his disposal for this extensive task, his responsibilities including all main communications in the districts of KOZANI, KASTORIA and FLORINA.

Work commenced when the Company arrived at the Southern bank of the river ALIAKMON and found the bridge destroyed, and a light and unreliable improvised ferry as the only means of crossing. He immediately had constructed, and during the subsequent difficult months kept in operation, a heavy ferry at this important key crossing; a difficult operation, due to the continually changing water levels, and the great speed of the current. Having established the HQ at KOZANI, Major Smith at once organised his unit into small detachments and succeeded to make good all damaged bridges in the area; at the same time he organised civil labour into road repair gangs on all roads, and these, with the assistance of the sappers in their transport very quickly made possible a speedier turnaround of relief trucks to all centres of population.

It was largely due to Major Smith's persistent effort that all main roads in the area were made serviceable and fit for regular traffic by the end of April; he has thus rendered a most valuable service to the Greek People."