SMITH, Thomas
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Known as:
Tom
Rank:
Lance Sergeant
Unit / Base:
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps:
South Lancashire Regiment
Service:
Army
Number:
3655831
Honours & Awards:
Lance Sergeant Tom Smith was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry during operations to try and rescue his missing Commanding Officer, Lt Col. Jack Churchill, on the Dalmatian island of Brac after Operation Flounced.
Recommendation
This NCO was one of a small party of volunteers who remained behind on Brac after the Allied forces had left, in an attempt to rescue their Commanding Officer who had been captured. It was thought at the time that there was little chance of them returning. For three days and nights this NCO was outstanding for his coolness and resource when in close proximity to the enemy (4th-6th June 1944). The party did return to base however, and on the 8th June, information being received of prisoners, this NCO again volunteered to return to Brac. He was again outstanding. He climbed a hill in the German lines to observe enemy movement and was spotted. He was fired at, and mortared, and with perfect calmness he ignored this fire and continued to observe the enemy, and did not retire until the Germans were actually advancing up the hill. He then retreated and made his way back through the German lines to base with very valuable information about the enemy. This NCO has also been conspicuous in several battles during the past year being recommended for the MM at Salerno in September 1943.
Sources
London Gazette 36950, page 1041
National Archives WO/373/46/243.
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Yes
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