Medals

The following information was submitted by a reader of the Lewismen in Canadian Service website, regarding Donald Smith, of 11 Aird Tong.  The Roll of Honour says he was wounded twice, but that must have been a mistake.

Donald enlisted with the 94th Battalion, Fort William, Ontario (Canada) on 10 Jan 1916. Arriving in England he was transferred to the 43rd (Cameron Highlanders of Winnipeg) Battalion in France. He was decorated twice.

Distinguished Conduct Medal
Deed of Action
198766 Sergeant Donald Smith
43rd Battalion



For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty throughout forty hour's continuous fighting on 27th and 28 August 1918 near Vis-en-Artois, involving two attacks and repeated enemy counter-attacks. He was in the thick of the fighting, accounting for five of the enemy and setting a fine aggressive example to his men.


(Authority: London Gazette number 31726, dated 10 January, 1920)


Bar to Distinguished Conduct Medal
Deed of Action
198766 Sergeant Donald Smith
43rd Battalion


In the attack through Tilloy on the 1st Oct. 1918, he single-handed captured an enemy machine-gun crew and getting the gun in action, inflicted many casualties on the enemy. Later on he took charge of two platoons after they had lost their officers, and by his gallant leadership enabled them to take their objectives and consolidate their positions. When the enemy succeeded in penetrating one post he single-handed drove them out, killing fire and taking seven prisoners. he showed splendid gallantry and initiative.


(Authority: London Gazette number 31668, dated 2 December, 1919)