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Captain G.W.F. Smith M.C. |
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Transcript of Military Cross Citation |
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Brigade |
77th Indian Infantry |
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Division |
3rd Indian |
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Unit |
Highland Light Infantry attd. 3/6 Gurkha Rifles |
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Date of Recommendation |
27 June 1944 |
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Regtl. No. |
200972 |
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Rank and Name |
Captain George Watt Fairfull SMITH |
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Action for which commended :- |
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Captain FAIRFULL-SMITH took over command of 'C' Company after Major BARBER was wounded at KAYIN. On (illegible) June 44, his company was ordered to capture the pass north of UHMAN TAUNG in the preliminary stages of the battle of MOGAUNG. By a skilful and bold personal reconnaissance he found the extent of the enemy positions which were occupied by thirty Japanese dug-in and wired-in with LMGs and Discharger Cups as their main defensive weapons. He also found out the only feasible line of advance into their positions. He led his Company in a silent crawling advance to within thirty yards of the enemy positions from where they threw fifty grenades into Japanese positions at the same time spraying the positions with an MMG and all their LMGs. At the same time he had ordered his men to shout and scream which they did with great effect. Immediately the last of his grenade had burst this officer went into the attack with his leading platoon. The enemy fled in rout leaving arms, ammunition bedding and rations behind. He quickly consolidated his position and beat off a counterattack. During this attack his Company suffered only one casualty. It was entirely due to this officer's courage and his superb reconnaissance, his confidence in himself and his determination in pressing home his attack that two dug-in and wired-in positions were taken with only one casualty. On 9th June 1944, his company was ordered to capture MOGAUNG. Again he did a personal reconnaissance of untold value. Again he led his Company in a silent advance and after throwing a shower of grenade into the Japanese positions charged right in. He evicted an enemy Platoon with only two casualties to himself. In those two actions Lieut FAIRFULL-SMITH showed military skill of a very high order. His complete disregard for his own safety, his boldness and confidence in himself, bred a confidence and determination in his men which was unbeatable. He was later wounded in the leg and evacuated, but the spirit he had taught his Company remained with them until the fall of MOGAUNG. Throughout the campaign his cheerfulness under every kind of condition his ready smile and cheering words for everybody set a superb example to all ranks of his Regiment. |
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Recommended By |
Lieut Colonel N.B.F. Shaw 3rd Bn 6th Gurkha Rifles Brigadier J.M. Calvert DSO Commander 77 Ind Inf Brigade |
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Honour or Reward |
Military Cross |
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Signed By |
Major General W.D.A. Lentaigne Comd. 3 Ind. Div. General G. Giffard Commander-in-Chief 11 Army Group |
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(London Gazette 26.04.1945) |
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