Edward Benn Smith | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | (1898-11-10)10 November 1898 Maryport, Cumberland |
| Died | 12 January 1940(1940-01-12) (aged 41) Bucquoy, France |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch | British Army |
| Service years | 1918–1938 1939–1940 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | Lancashire Fusiliers |
| Conflicts | First World WarSecond World War † |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Distinguished Conduct Medal |
| Relations | Mother Martha BennFather Charles Henry Smith |
Edward Benn ('Ned') SmithVC,DCM (10 November 1898 – 12 January 1940) was anEnglish recipient of theVictoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded toBritish andCommonwealth forces.
He is unusual[citation needed] in having gained both the DCM and VC, and in quick succession, during theHundred Days Offensive.[1]
On 10 August 1918, then aCorporal with the 1/5th Battalion,Lancashire Fusiliers, Smith was leading a daylight patrol nearHébuterne in theSomme Area of France to examine points in the German lines where information was required. As the patrol was about to retire, he saw a party of about 40 Germans about to take up outpost duty. Despite being heavily outnumbered by the German soldiers, Smith led his small party of men and engaged the enemy, breaking up the German party and causing severe casualties. As well as receiving theDistinguished Conduct Medal for this action, he was promoted to the rank oflance sergeant.[citation needed]
Eleven days later, during the period 21/23 August 1918, east ofSerre,France, Smith while in command of a platoon, took a machine-gun post at The Lozenge (Hill 140),[2] rushing the garrison with his rifle and bayonet. The enemy on seeing him coming, scattered to throw hand grenades at him, but heedless of all danger and almost without halting in his rush, he shot at least six of them. Later, seeing another platoon needing assistance, he led his men to them, took command and captured the objective. During an enemy counter-attack the following day he led a section forward and restored a portion of the line.[citation needed] According toThe London Gazette Supplement of 18 October 1918, "His personal bravery, skill and initiative were outstanding, and his conduct throughout an inspiring example to all."[3]
According toThe Whitehaven News, a local West Cumbrian newspaper, when he returned to his home town ofMaryport after the war in 1919, he was greeted by a cheering crowd of 6,000 people, equivalent to the town's total population at the time.[citation needed] Another local newspaper described Smith in the following terms:
Sergeant Smith is not only a VC but looks it. He is a British soldier every inch of him. He is an A1 man from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet. ... He has not only won the VC but he has a chest on which to display it.[citation needed]
He continued serving, from 1918 to 1938, in China, Malaya and Ireland, before retiring with an Army pension having attained the rank ofRegimental Sergeant Major. He then joined theCorps of Commissionaires in London for about a year.[citation needed]
In 1921, he attended a Garden Party held atBuckingham Palace by KingGeorge V of the United Kingdom for Victoria Cross holders, as the youngest recipient present. He never married.[citation needed]
As war loomed in summer 1939, he re-enlisted with his former Regiment, the Lancashire Fusiliers, and was among the first contingent of theBritish Expeditionary Force to sail for France.[citation needed]
He was aLieutenant and quartermaster when he died in France from a gunshot wound in the head on 12 January 1940, just under four months before the start of theBattle of France in May.[4] Smith is buried at theCommonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery of Beuvry Communal Cemetery Extension.[5]
