SMITH, Frederick Oscar Clyde
| Service Number: | 3422 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 23 July 1915, Liverpool, NSW |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 2nd Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Cassilis, New South Wales, Australia, 26 September 1891 |
| Home Town: | Cassilis, Upper Hunter Shire, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | East Maitland High School, New South Wales, Australia |
| Occupation: | Bank Clerk |
| Died: | Lismore, New South Wales, Australia, 1960, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
East Lismore (Lismore) General Cemetery Anglican Row: 11H Plot: 7 |
| Memorials: | Bank of New South Wales Roll of Honour Book, Cassilis St. Columba's C E Great War Honor Roll |
World War 1 Service
| 23 Jul 1915: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 3422, 2nd Infantry Battalion, Liverpool, NSW | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Nov 1915: | Involvement Private, 3422, 2nd Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '7' embarkation_place: Sydney embarkation_ship: HMAT Euripides embarkation_ship_number: A14 public_note: '' | |
| 2 Nov 1915: | Embarked Private, 3422, 2nd Infantry Battalion, HMAT Euripides, Sydney |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Faithe Jones
FREDERICK OSCAR CLYDE SMITH, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry William Smith, of the Public School, Cassilis, was born at Cassilis, New South Wales, on 26th September, 1891, and received his education at that school and the East Maitland High School. He entered the service of the Bank at Maitland on 16th January, 1909; was transferred to Quirindi, as ledger-keeper, on 7th February, 1912; and to Lismore, as ledger-keeper, on 2nd November, 1914.
Frederick Oscar Clyde Smith enlisted in the A.I.F. on 9th August, 1915, and embarked on 2nd November, 1915. Eventually joining the 53rd Battalion, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant, and saw active service in France, where he was wounded on three occasions—at Fromelles, Bullecourt and Polygon Wood.
On the night of 29th July, 1918, Frederick Oscar Smith was in charge of a flanking platoon and led a successful attack upon the German first and second line trenches near Morlancourt. Later, when the officer in charge of a second platoon was wounded, this gallant young N.C.O. took command of the two platoons. He organized the defences and remained in charge of the platoons until he was relieved two nights later. For this valuable service he was awarded the Military Medal.
Source - Bank of NSW Roll of Honour
Military Medal
'This N.C.O. showed great initiative and personal courage during the operations near MORLANCOURT, South West of ALBERT on the night 28/29th July 1918. After his Platoon Commander had become a casualty he took command and led his platoon to the final objective, setting a splendid example and displaying excellent leadership. During the consolidation and during the heavy shelling next night this N.C.O.'s unfailing cheerfulness inspired his men with the utmost confidence.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 36
Date: 14 March 1919
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