Edward Smith (VC, DCM) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
He was 19 years old, and a Lance Sergeant in the 1/5th Bn., Lancashire Fusiliers, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
During the period 21/23 August 1918 east of Serre , France, Lance-Sergeant Smith while in command of a platoon, personally took a machine-gun post, 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, this NCO 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.
He was killed in action, France, on 12 January 1940.
He later achieved the rank of Lieutenant.
Reference
This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.
