RESERVED: A very rare Mesopotamia 1920 operations M.M. pair awarded to Lance-Sergeant F. T. Smith, Royal Field Artillery, for his gallantry at the relief of Rumaithah
Military Medal, G.V.R. (1045878 Cpl.-L.Sjt.F. T. Smith. R.F.A.); British War Medal 1914-20 (66592 Dvr. F. T. Smith. R.A.), nearly very fine (2)
Just 35 awards of the M.M. for actions in Mesopotamia in 1920-21. Given that a little over 115,000 were awarded for the Great War, this ranks as a rare award.
M.M. London Gazette 28 September 1921: ‘For bravery in the field with the British Forces in Mesopotamia:- Cpl. (L./Sjt.) Smith, F. T., 132nd By. (Toronto)
For bravery and devotion to duty near Rumaithah on the 22nd July, 1920. A section of the battery in a rearguard action was in danger of bring cut off. Although wounded, this non-commissioned officer, by his coolness and energy under vert trying circumstances, kept the teams together, thus enabling the guns to be limbered up when required.’
Frederick Thomas Smith served as a Driver with the Royal Field Artillery in France from 29 August 1915. He is also entitled to 1914-15 Star, Victory Medal and G.S.M. Iraq. His Medal Index Card shows that all of these were variously returned and re-issued circa 1923.
Further details of this action can be found via kaiserscross.com/304501/481622.html
