Edward Smith (VC) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Benn Smith
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| Born | 10 November 1898 Maryport, Cumberland |
| Died | 12 January 1940 (aged 41) Bucquoy, France |
| Buried |
Beuvry Communal Cemetery Extension
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1918–1938 1939–1940 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | Lancashire Fusiliers |
| Battles/wars | First World War Second World War † |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Distinguished Conduct Medal |
| Relations | Mother Martha Benn Father Charles Henry Smith |
Edward Benn Smith, known as 'Ned', was a brave English soldier. He won two very special awards for his courage: the Victoria Cross (VC) and the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM). The Victoria Cross is the highest award a British or Commonwealth soldier can get for bravery in war.
Ned Smith was born on November 10, 1898. He served in both the First World War and the Second World War. He passed away on January 12, 1940, while serving in France.
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Edward Smith's Bravery in World War I
It was very rare for a soldier to win both the DCM and the VC. Ned Smith earned both awards very quickly during the final battles of World War I. These battles were part of what was called the Hundred Days Offensive.
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
On August 10, 1918, Ned Smith was a Corporal in the 1/5th Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers. He was leading a patrol near Hébuterne in France. His job was to check out parts of the German lines to gather information.
As his small group was about to leave, they saw about 40 German soldiers. Even though the Germans greatly outnumbered them, Smith bravely led his men to attack. They broke up the German group and caused many injuries. For this brave action, Ned Smith received the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He was also promoted to Lance Sergeant.
Victoria Cross (VC)
Just eleven days later, between August 21 and 23, 1918, Ned Smith showed incredible courage again. East of Serre-lès-Puisieux in France, he was in charge of a group of soldiers. He attacked a machine-gun post all by himself. He rushed at the enemy soldiers with his rifle and bayonet.
The enemy soldiers tried to throw hand grenades at him. But Ned Smith didn't stop. He kept going and shot at least six of them. Later, he saw another group of soldiers who needed help. He led his own men to join them, took command, and helped them capture their target.
The next day, during a German counter-attack, he led his men forward. He helped to fix a broken part of the battle line. The official report said his "personal bravery, skill and initiative were outstanding." It also said his actions were "an inspiring example to all."
Life Between the Wars
After World War I ended, Ned Smith returned home to Maryport in 1919. A huge crowd of 6,000 people cheered for him. This was almost the entire population of the town at the time!
A local newspaper described him as a "British soldier every inch of him." It said he was "an A1 man from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet." The newspaper also noted he had "a chest on which to display" his Victoria Cross.
Ned Smith continued to serve in the army from 1918 to 1938. He served in places like China, Malaya, and Ireland. He retired with an army pension, having reached the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major. After leaving the army, he worked for about a year in London.
In 1921, he was invited to a special party at Buckingham Palace. King George V hosted this party for all the Victoria Cross winners. Ned Smith was the youngest person there. He never got married.
Service in World War II
When another war seemed likely in the summer of 1939, Ned Smith joined the army again. He rejoined his old regiment, the Lancashire Fusiliers. He was among the first British soldiers to go to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force.
He was a Lieutenant and a quartermaster when he was killed in action in France. This happened on January 12, 1940. It was just under four months before the main Battle of France began in May. Ned Smith is buried in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery at Beuvry Communal Cemetery Extension.
