SMITH, Albert Scott
| Service Numbers: | 2014, 293A |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 21 October 1914 |
| Last Rank: | Sergeant |
| Last Unit: | 14th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia, 1896 |
| Home Town: | Clifton Hill, Yarra, Victoria |
| Schooling: | North Fitzroy State School, Victoria, Australia |
| Occupation: | Grocer |
| Died: | Killed in Action, France, 8 August 1918 |
| Cemetery: |
Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery Plot I, Row B, Grave No. 25. |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour |
World War 1 Service
| 21 Oct 1914: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 2014, 2nd Field Ambulance | |
|---|---|---|
| 19 Feb 1915: | Involvement Private, 2014, 2nd Field Ambulance, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '22' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Runic embarkation_ship_number: A54 public_note: '' | |
| 19 Feb 1915: | Embarked Private, 2014, 2nd Field Ambulance, HMAT Runic, Melbourne | |
| 13 Jul 1918: | Honoured Military Medal | |
| 8 Aug 1918: | Involvement Sergeant, 293A, 14th Infantry Battalion, --- :awm_ww1_roll_of_honour_import: awm_service_number: 293A awm_unit: 14 Battalion awm_rank: Sergeant awm_died_date: 1918-08-08 |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Stephen Brooks
Albert Scott Smith landed on Gallipoli on 5 June 1915 as part of the 2nd Field Ambulance. He served for the duration of the campaign with this unit, as a stretcher bearer; the Field Ambulances at Gallipoli being stationed on the beach itself.
During the reorganisation of the AIF in Egypt during early 1916, Albert transferred to the 6th Infantry Battalion. Soon after landing in France he was sent to hospital with cerebro-spinal meningitis, and was reported as being dangerously ill in mid-June 1916. It was a blessing in disguise as Albert was eventually evacuated to England during July 1916 and missed the Battle of Pozieres.
When he was sent back to France in October 1916, he was transferred to the 14th Battalion, promoted to Lance Corporal and was wounded in the leg during the fighting at Stormy Trench on 7 February 1917. It was reported as a severe shrapnel wound to his right leg and he was evacuated to England. When he recovered after a few months he was given a fortnight leave in London. He rejoined his unit in Belgium during July 1917.
He was wounded again on 14 October 1917, this time gunshot wounds to the face and right leg, and was out of action for about six weeks.
Smith was promoted to Sergeant during February 1918, and was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry and conspicuous bravery during a raid on Bois-de-Vaire on 15 June 1918. The raiding party consisted of one officer and 50 other ranks. ‘When Smith was in command of a section after scuppering an enemy post ten Huns emerged from the crop and advanced against them. He at once charged the party, killing five with the bayonet, capturing two and dispersing the other three. On two occasions on the objective, he bandaged wounded men of his section and later brought back the rest of his part intact. He set a fine example and showed great leadership.’
Albert Smith was killed in action only six weeks later. His mother, Charlotte Smith, of East Melbourne, Victoria, received his medal entitlements and effects.
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