Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second World War ‘North West Europe’ M.M. group of five awarded to Private J. M. Smith, Gordon Highlanders

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (14770893 Pte., Gordons); 1939-45 Star; France & Germany Star; Defence & War Medals, mounted as worn, contact marks and edge bruising, otherwise nearly very fine (5) £450-550

M.M. London Gazette 11 October 1945. The recommendation states: ‘At Schloss Calbeck on 23 February 1945 “B” Company 2nd Battalion The Gordon Highlanders was attacked by enemy infantry supported by an infantry gun mounted on a half track vehicle.

Private Smith, on his own initiative, took a PIAT and going forward under heavy mortar and small arms fire, entered a building on the forward edge of the company area and proceeded to engage the enemy half track. He secured a direct hit which not only stopped the vehicle but killed the crew and gun team, in all, nine enemy. But for his action and complete disregard for his personal safety and the good use of the PIAT, the infantry gun would without doubt have penetrated the Coy position and have been a serious menace to the two forward companies.

Private Smith has been in every action since joining the battalion in December 1944. His conduct has always been of the very highest order and his complete disregard for his personal safety when under fire has been an inspiration to all around him.’