SMILEY, David de Crespigny
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Rank:
Captain (later Colonel)
Unit / Base:
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Horse Guards
Service:
Army
Number:
P/69082
Honours & Awards:
Born:
Tuesday, April 11, 1916
Died :
Friday, January 9, 2009
- 28.03.1941, Captain, 52 Middle East Commando, appointed to 'D' Company of 'D' Bn., Layforce at Geneifa [1][1a][1b].
- 1941, Temporary Captain, Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in the Middle East [2].
- April - June 1944 Temporary Major, Special Operations Executive, awarded a Bar to his Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service during operations in Albania [3][4][4a].
- 07.11.1946 appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service whilst engaged in Special Operations in South East Asia [5].
- 02.06.1953, Lieutenant Colonel D.de C. Smiley, MVO, OBE, MC, Field Officer Commanding the Escort of the State Coach at the Coronation of H.M. Queen Elizabeth 11 [6].
- 1955, Lieutenant Colonel, British Military Attache in Stockholm [1b].
- 1959/1961, Commanded the Sultan of Muscat and Oman's Forces [1b].
- 24.07.1961, retired, granted honorary rank of Colonel [7].
- 28.01.1966, Colonel, late Royal Horse Guards, appointed one of Her Majesty's Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms [8].
Sources
[1] 52 Middle East Commando War Diary 28/3/41 (List of 'D' Bn. Layforce officers).
[1a] The book, Middle East Commando author Charles Messenger.
[1b] Commando Association newsletters 21 (1955), 32 (1961), and 74 (1982).
[2] London Gazette 35396, page 7340.
[3] SOE File / National Archives file HS 5/126
[4] London Gazette 36796, page 5261.
[4a] Award Recommendations / National Archives file WO373/46/223.
[5] London Gazette 37780, page 5465.
[6] London Gazette 40020, page 6230.
[7] London Gazette 42419, page 5493.
[8] London Gazette 43886, page 1013.
[Image held in ] Collection of David de C. Smiley at the IWM / Group portrait, officers of the Household Cavalry Composite Regiment, Windsor, September 1939, ref. HU 68766 [view....].
Photo of Commando in Gallery:
Yes
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