THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

SMITH Geoffrey Samuel

South Africa , Lieutenant, 9th Contingent, South Africa

8/1034, Major, Otago Battalion, WW1

CITATION

Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)

Gazetted 8 August 1917, p5459

Operation, Flers Trenches, Grid Trenches, at Eaucourt L'Abbaye 21st September 1916 to 2nd October 1916.  During the above operations Lieutenant Colonel Smith commanded his battalion with conspicuous ability and success.  In the two attacks included in the above his dispositions were admirable.  He always ispired his officers and men with the utmost confidence.  He is thoroughly reliable, cool and calm under fire at all times.  The fighting spirit of his battalion is entirely due to his personality.  During the operations on the Somme his battalion lost 17 officers and yet at the present time his battalion is now as good as ever it was, which is entirely due to his able leadership and training.  The work of Lieutenant Colonel Smith during the past 9 months is deserving of a medal

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 15 October 1915, p10153

For distinguished service in the field. (Gallipoli)

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 5 August 1915, p7669

Mentioned in General Ian Hamilton's despatch of 20th May 1915.  Commander-in-Chief Mediterranean Expeditionary Force.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 4 January 1917, p261

Switch Trench, south east of High Wood, 15th September 1916.  Grid Support Trench, west of Flers, 1st October 1916.  Lieutenant Colonel Smith is an officer who is possessed of the highest soldierly qualities.  He commads his battalion with conspicuous success.  During the  two operations his dispositions for the attack were admirable.  He inspires his officers and men with the utmost confidence.  He is thoroughly reliable calm and cool under fire, and his judgement is thoroughly to be relied upon.  The unconquerable fighting spirit of his battalion is in great measure due to his personality.  His work is worthy of special distinction.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 1 June 1917, p5429

For distinguished and gallant service and devotion to duty.  Field Marshal D. Haig, Commander-in-Chief of the British Armies in France, despatch of 9th April 1917.

KNOWN AWARDS

Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)

Distinguished Service Order

Queen’s South Africa Medal

       Transvaal, South Africa 1902

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

       Mention in Despatches (3)

NOTES

Born 30 December 1872, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, England

Died 17 September 1926, Aldermaston, Bradford, Berks, England