Military Cross: Sergeant Major D Smith, 5 Battalion, AIF

Military Cross GVR. Engraved on the reverse with the recipients details, place and date of the award.

David Smith enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 17 August 1914 at the age of 27. He joined the newly formed 5th Battalion and embarked with it on 21 October. He was present with the battalion when it landed with the second wave at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli on 25 April 1915.

Rising quickly through the ranks he was made company sergeant-major on 2 May 1915. Three days later he was transported with the rest of the 5th Battalion to Cape Helles to take part in the Second Battle of Krithia. For his actions at Krithia Smith was awarded the Military Cross, becoming the first Australian non-commissioned officer to receive it.

His citation reads, 'On 8 May, 1915, during operations south of Krithia, for conspicuous gallantry and good services in rallying and leading men forward to the attack. Although wounded in both arms, he continued to direct his men, setting a valuable example of devotion to duty.'

After recovering from his wounds Smith re-joined the 5th Battalion at Gallipoli. He served with the battalion on the Western Front until he was transferred to the 2nd Training Battalion in England in early 1917, with a promotion to regimental sergeant-major. In September 1917 he reverted to company sergeant-major and returned to the 5th Battalion in France. He would continued to serve with the battalion until the end of the war. Receiving a commission in September, 1918, he finished the war as a lieutenant.

When the Second World War started the 52 year old David Smith rushed to re-enlist, on 4 October, 1939. He served with the 3rd Garrison Battalion in Australia until he was discharged on 22 July 1944.

Smith's Military Cross is accompanied by service medals for the First and Second World Wars.