Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War D.S.M. group of seven awarded to Leading Signalman J. W. Smith, Royal Navy, for services aboard H.M. Submarine Truant, who was previously mentioned in despatches for bravery and enterprise during ten Mediterranean War Patrols

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (JX.132615 J. W. Smith. L. Sig.) impressed naming; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, mounted as worn, good very fine (7) £1,000-£1,400

D.S.M. London Gazette 2 June 1943:
For distinguished services aboard H.M. Submarine Truant. Medal presented by The King on 12 October 1943.

M.I.D. London Gazette 17 March 1942:
‘For bravery and enterprise while serving in H.M.S. Truant during successful Submarine patrols.’ Seedie’s Submarine List states: ‘Ten Mediterranean War Patrols. Sank two ships, damaged two and carried out a landing operation. Sank the Italian Torpedo Boat Alcione off Suda Bay on 11 December 1941,’

John William Smith was born at Peterborough, Northants, on 22 September 1912, and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 31 October 1928. He joined Emperor of India as a Signal Boy on 14 March 1930, and subsequently to Courageous, 12 August 1930, advancing to Ordinary Signalman and then to Signalman; Victory I, 3 May 1932; Champion, 2 June 1933; Victory I, 1 May 1934; Dolphin, 26 May 1934; H.M. Submarine Proteus, 16 October 1934 to 22 September 1936; Dolphin, 19 April 1937; H.M. Submarine Seawolf, 17 January 1939; H.M. Submarine Truant, 15 February 1940 to April 1943, advancing to Leading Signalman in September 1940; H.M. Submarine Sturgeon, 16 July 1943. He was wounded in action and awarded a Hurt Certificate, 1 August 1942, with ‘multiple small scars (shrapnel) on right arm and trunk.’ Awarded the L.S. & G.C. medal on 19 September 1945, he was discharged to pension on 27 August 1953.