1939-45 Star; France & Germany Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45 - all unnamed as awarded with condolence award slip in original box of issue addressed to Mrs C.A. Smith, 47 Storth Avenue, Hucknall, Notts.
William "Jock" Smith was born in 1916. He served in WWII with the 144th (8th Bn East Lancashire Regiment) Royal Armoured Corps and was Killed in Action during Operation Pomegranate on 18.7.1944.
Operation Pomegranate took during the Second Battle of the Odon and comprised a series of attacks by 30 Corps towards Noyers in France. Its intent was to divert the German attention as 2nd Army prepared Operation Goodwood and to gain ground where possible.
On 18 July 1944, the day Smith was first reported Missing and later Killed in Action, the 177 Brigade put in a full scale attack on Noyers, with 2/6 and 5 South Staffs supported by tanks, crocodiles and armoured engineers. This attack was pressed with great vigour and bravery, but it could make little progress against the determined enemy resistance, and five of our tanks were knocked out, the squadron having been already seriously depleted by mine casulaties in the two previous days' fighting.
According to the 1939 Register there was a Constance Smith living amongst the residents of 47 Storth Avenue, Hucknall. Could this have been a relative of William's? It is the address his medals were posted to.
Included with the medals is a poignant letter Smith penned to his wife of 5 months (then) dated 23 December 1942 from Shorncliffe in Folkstone expressing his love to her and the deisre that he would see her at the next Christmas and beyond.
Medals are in good condition unless indicated otherwise. Sold together with copied research and including a wealth of original paperwork and documents pertaining to him and his wife.
