Lot 5486

Description

AIF souvenir ID disc, in sterling silver (33mm), engraved on shaved reverse of an Egyptian silver ten qirsh (1910-13), with pierced hole at top for wear, inscribed in centre, '81./W.A.Smith/11 A.LH./C.E.', at left edge is inscribed a laurel spray and at the right edge, 'Moascar 1916.' Very fine.

William Arkley Smith, station overseer - farm manager, age 25, born at Cardiff, Glamorganshire, South Wales; Enl.28Dec1914 at Enoggera, Qld; Emb.02Jun1915 and to Cpl in 11LH; to hospital 28Jul-14Sep1915 with Pyrexia; to Sgt 01May1916; 07Oct1917 awarded MM for gallantry with Desert Mounted Corps in Palestine; detached to 4LH Bde HQRs as Bde Scout 21Oct1917; to 2/Lt 30Oct1917; to 2nd Aust Stationary Hospital, Egypt with dislocated cartilage knee 04Apr1918; to Lt 10Apr1918; to same hospital 13Nov1918 with Malaria and dangerously ill; RTA 22Jul1919; Disemb.28Aug1919; Disch.22Oct1919.

MM: LG 14/1/1918, p847; CAG 23/5/1918, p1125.

Recommendation: For the gallant manner in which he led his party of five scouts during a reconnaissance of the Wadi El Sufi on 2nd Oct 1917. Although under heavy fire at close range from about 200 enemy infantry, 3 machine guns and 2 field guns he went forward with determination and dash and carried out the work of reconnoitring the enemy's position and of measuring the well in the vicinity. He completed his reconnaissance under fire gaining valuable information and led his party back to safety.