Brian
I have sent message about the medals.
Major G A Smith was awarded the 1939-45 War Medal so was still around during the WW2.
WW1 .
Here is what I know of this officer
Major George Alfred Smith Tank Corps.
He joined up in April 1902 to the Royal Scots Greys till 7th April 1914. When War broke out he re-enlisted as Pte 10111 in the 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scot Greys) on 30th September 1914 and was reinstated to rank of Cpl at enlistment.
He was posted to 5th Reserve Bn on 1st October 1914 and then to BEF France 11th December 1914.
He transferred as 24040 to the Lancashire Fusiliers and was posted to 3rd Bn on 7th July 1915 and was promoted to Acting Sergeant on 12th August 1915.
He applied for commission on 2nd May 1915 preference Lancashire Fusiliers and went to No2 Officer Cadet Battalion at Cambridge on 7th August 1916.
He transferred to MGC Cadet Battalion at Bisley on 1st November 1916 and was commissioned 2nd Lieutant in the MGC Heavy Section (Tanks) on 1st December 1916.
He joined reinforcements depot from Engalnd and was posted to 6th Tank Bn on 31st May 1917. He was wounded but remained at duty on 22 August 1917 at the 3rd Battle of Ypres.
He was promoted to Acting Captain on 10th October 1917 and then was injured in the Battle of Cambrai and sent to hospital. He had an injury to his knee and ankle (no mention of what).
He was sent back to UK on board “Stad Antwerpen” on 30th November 1917 and was unfit for 2 months. He was fit for General Service on 20th February 1918.
He joined 15th Tank Battalion on 26th March 1918 and was in “A” Company. He was involved in several battles with the 15th Battalion. On 21st August 1918 he was in command of “C” Company which was 1 Section (8 Tanks) under 2nd Guards Brigade. This was at COURCELLES and they helped the infantry to reach the railways.
On 31st August 1918 at Vaulx – Vraucourt he was again in charge of “C” Company. They were to assist 185th Brigade in attacking VAULX-VRAUCOURT from the South.
On 1st September 1918 he was appointed Officer Commanding of the 2nd Brigade Demonstration School at HERLEVILLE. A fine camp was built from left over materials from the Huns. Two days training took place on Sept 18th and 19th. The 18th training was with the 24th ROYAL FUSILIERS and the 2nd HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY. On the 19th it was with the 1st ROYAL BERKSHIRE and the 23rd ROYAL FUSILIERS.
After this he went back to 15th Battalion and left them on the 16th October 1918 for Tank Corps Expansion.
He was promoted to Acting Major on 17th October 1918 and served with the 24th Tank Battalion. I need to do more research here.
He was discharged on the 8th April 1919 and was awarded a MILITARY CROSS on 3rd June 1919.
IF ANYBODY CAN HELP ME ON WHAT THE 2ND ROYAL SCOTS GREYS WERE DOING BETWEEN “April 1902 to 7th April 1914”. AS HE MIGHT BE ENTITLED TO A QSA??
