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Auction: 19002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 176

(x) Nine: Captain G. A. Smith, Royal Canadian Army Service Corps, who was wounded at Monte Cassino and mentioned in dispatches while serving in North-West Europe

1939-45 Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star, Canadian issue with raised obverse centre; Defence Medal 1939-45, Canadian issue, in silver; Canadian Voluntary Service Medal with 'Overseas' clasp; War Medal 1939-45, Canadian issue, silver, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Korea 1950-53, Canadian issue, silver (ZU 569 G. A. Smith); U.N. Korea (ZU 569 Capt. G. A. Smith); Canadian Forces Decoration, G.VI.R. (Capt. G. A. Smith), good very fine, mounted as worn (9)

George Anson Smith was born at Millgrove, Ontario on 12 November 1915, but moved to 32 Steel Road, Northfield, Birmingham in search of better work. In 1933 he gained employment as an assembly line worker in an aircraft factory, rising to become its foreman in 1939. He was already qualified as a Driver Mechanic when he enlisted into the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps in London on 14 October 1940. Rapidly promoted to Acting Sergeant, he became an Officer Cadet at Brockville Training Centre in September 1942. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant on 7 November 1942, rising to Lieutenant on 30 January 1943. He served in Italy with the 5th Armoured Division from 24 October 1943, taking part in the Battle of Monte Cassino. He was reported 'slightly injured in action' in a telegram sent to his mother on 16 May 1944. He then served in France from 25 February 1945, earning a mention in despatches (Canadian Gazette, 3 November 1945, refers).

Smith returned to Canada in July 1945 and was posted to the R.C.A.S.C. School, Camp Borden. He was advanced to Captain on 22 April 1949, and served in Korea with 56 Transport Company, R.C.A.S.C. from March 1953. He was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration two months later. He retired on 21 December 1962, living with his wife at 195 Dufferin Avenue, Brantford, Ontario, and died on 9 October 1981; sold with copied service records and medal confirmation.


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Sold for
£250