Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine General Service Medal awarded to Acting Lance Bombardier J. V. Smith, Royal Artillery, who was recommended for the George Medal in 1957 after making safe a terrorist bomb laden with ‘ten pounds of nuts and bolts’ outside a Cypriot cinema

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Cyprus, with M.I.D. oak leaf (22832393 Gnr. J. V. Smith. R.A.) edge bruising, nearly very fine £240-£280

M.I.D. London Gazette 23 July 1957:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Cyprus for the period 1st January to 30 June, 1957.’

John Victor Smith was recommended for the George Medal whilst serving in Cyprus as Acting Lance Bombardier with the 16th Light Ant-Aircraft Regiments, Royal Artillery. This was later downgraded by Major-General D. A. Kendrew to a mention in despatches.

The original recommendation by Lieutenant-Colonel J. D. Maling, Officer Commanding 16th L.A.A. Regiment, states: ‘At about 1950hrs on the evening of 24 Feb 57, 22832393 L/Bdr Smith J.V. of 26 LAA battery, RA, 16 LAA Regiment RA, was standing in a cinema queue outside the Globe Cinema, Episkopi, with two other members of the Battery when he noticed an oil tin standing against the cinema wall, and approximately at the middle of the queue.

L/Bdr Smith was alert to the possibility of the tin being an EOKA bomb, and immediately began a closer investigation whereupon he saw a time pencil protruding from the top of the tin. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, and recognising the need for immediate action, he at once removed the time pencil and cap at great personal risk to himself. He then gallantly carried the home made bomb to a place of safety in the vicinity, not knowing whether or not a second time pencil or other detonating device was still in the bomb. He then remained in the vicinity until a bomb disposal expert arrived.

When the bomb was dismantled it was found to contain eight sticks of dynamite and ten pounds of nuts and bolts, and was estimated to be capable of causing heavy casualties in the surroundings in which it was found. The time pencil detonated at 2015hrs approximately. By his alertness in identifying the bomb, and bravery in removing the detonator at great risk to himself, L/Bdr Smith undoubtedly saved the lives of a large number of persons waiting to see the film that night. This young NCO’s action in a sudden and unexpected crisis is an outstanding example of observation, courage and initiative in the highest traditions of the army. 5 March 1957.’