CSM Ernest Smith MSM 5th Bn S Staffs

[KIRKY]

Just been shown a gold watch presented to the above in 1921in honour of his MSM and have tried to find his details on line but no success so far.

Anyone got any info on him and the award.

His grandson who has the watch believes he rescued fellow soldiers who were butied by an explosion.

Tony

[Mark1959]

Been looking in the LG for quite a while without success. What exactly does it say on the watch? Any details on where he lived etc?

[naught91]

Looks like the man is Ernest Smith, 2393, 202259. South Staffordshire Regiment.

 

Only went out to France briefly in 1915. Was with the 1/6 Battalion. Returned home and joined the 5th Reserve Battalion.

 

He has a Meritorious Service Medal card. It doesn't say what it was for though.

 

Pages of service papers exist though again they don't give a reason for the award. Available via ancestry.

 

The LG date is 31st May 1919.

 

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/awards-and-accreditation/ww1?end-publish-date=1921-01-01&text=202259&start-publish-date=1914-08-01&results-page-size=10

 

Regards,

 

Matt

[KIRKY]

Thanks both for your efforts.

He lived in Ashbourne, York Gardens, Finchfield, Wolverhampton.

The details on watch just said he was presented with the MSM in 1921 said he was in 5th Bn S Staffs.

Tony

 

[Mark1959]

I made the mistake of thinking the watch would have been awarded shortly after his MSM. So we know he was in the UK. So if what was for some kind of explosion then it should be in the papers. So I suggest local papers is the next port of call. Searched the papers in FMP for 1919 without success. Now been able to trace some personal details. The LG shows dozens of MSMs in that edition so it may be for being a great CSM. Even if that you would think he would get in the local newspaper. 

edit - Perhaps also the regimental museum. Think the Mercians are the follow on regiment

Edited 14 July , 2017 by Mark1959