Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

YEARS OF SUFFERING

A returned soldier from the last war, Captain Charles Watson Smith, 49, who was awarded the Military Cross and Bar and was four times mentioned in despatches, collapsed in the city and died on August 28.
His fine military record was revealed at the inquest today by his brother, Roland William Smith, woolbroker, of Killara, who said that the captain had been in and out of hospital for over 20 years.
A finding of accidental death was returned by the City Coroner (Mr. Oram). – The Sun, Sydney, issue dated Wednesday September 16, 1942.

Mrs. Charles Smith, of Weenona, Randwick, has received a private cable message to the effect that her son, Lieutenant Charles Watson Smith, has been awarded the Military Cross. Lieutenant Smith, who was with the artillery, left here in 1915 as gunner, and was in the 1st Division at the evacuation of Gallipoli. He afterwards was sent to France, and received a commission on the field. - The Sydney Morning Herald, issue dated Friday May 17, 1918.

Citation - The Commonwealth Gazette' No. 185, November 27, 1918: -
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When in charge of a gun and waggons, which came under heavy shell fire, he assisted to release the teams, and, aided by two other men, unloaded the ammunition and carried 150 charges to a place of safety. Later, when getting the gun into position, his party came under shell fire, but by his splendid example of courage and coolness he encouraged his men, and succeeded in placing the gun in position.”