Rank: Sergeant
Unit: Royal Natal Carabineers, South African Forces
Awarded: 1st September 1943
Nationality: South African
The citation in the London Gazette of 11th September 1942 gives the following details:
For conspicuous gallantry in action in the Alem Hamza area on the 5th June 1942. During the attack on an enemy strong point in which his officer was severely wounded; Sergeant Smythe took command of the platoon although suffering from a shrapnel wound in the forehead. The strong point having been overrun, our troops came under enfilade fire from an enemy' machine-gun nest! Realising, the threat to' his position, Sergeant Smythe himself stalked and destroyed the nest with hand grenades, capturing, the crew. Though weak from loss of blood, he continued to lead the advance, and on encountering an anti-tank gun position again attacked it single-handed and captured the crew. He was directly responsible for killing several of the enemy, shooting some and bayoneting another as they withdrew. After consolidation he received orders for a withdrawal, which he successfully executed, defeating skilfully an enemy attempt at encirclement. Throughout the engagement Sergeant Smythe displayed remarkable disregard for danger, and his leadership and courage were an inspiration to his men.
Additional Information
Later promoted to Captain.
Smythe was the grandson of the last Prime Minister of Natal.