Military Provost Staff Corps

Soldier Details:

Surname:	Smalley
Initials:	W.
Rank:	Corporal
Army No.:	6199584
Notes:	CMP. From Enfield, Middlesex. Formerly Middlesex Regiment, transferred to CMP. Casualty List 224 BEF, France, wounded, date not reported. Casualty List 1363 North Africa, Italy wounded, 18/3/1944. 20/9/44 Discharged. William Smalley.

Decorations/Medals/Awards (1)

1. Decoration:   Military Medal

Gazette Date: 1944-12-21

Gazette Issue: 36850

Gazette Page: 5853

Citation:   Military Medal Citation. River Garigliano, Italy The above named NCO has throughout the Italian campaign shown the highest standard of courage and devotion to duty. His consistent courage and cheefulness have undoubtedly proved an example to all present. The incident cited below was particularly outstanding. During the night 16/17 January 1944 he recced a track to the RIVER GARIGLIANO over which 8RF (8 Royal Fusiliers) were to pass during the night of 17/18 January. At dusk on 17 January accompanied by two Lance Corporals he taped this track in preparation for the assault crossing. On 18 January 1944 after the attack had commenced and the battalions of 167 London Infantry Brigade were across ther river he left CASTRESA to sign route to SAN LUCIA where it was intended to establish Brigade Tac HQ. Having reached the river he encountered heavy shell and mortarfire and was badly wounded. Although in great pain he insisted on handing over all info and duties etc to his junior NCO's before allowing himself to be evacuated to a dressing station. Awarded a periodical MM. Recommended by Captain A Mercer APM and OC 56 Div Pro Coy. National Archive WO 373/9.