Private Andrew Smith, MM

Born on 13 November 1897 in Dublin, Ireland - brother of John Smith, 91st Battalion, CEF - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address in Hespler, Ontario; trade as farmer; single; no current or previous military service; Church of England; height of 5 feet 2.25 inches; chest of 35 inches fully expanded; fresh complexion; grey eyes; dark brown hair.

Joined the 91st Battalion, CEF, in St. Thomas, Ontario, on 31 January 1916 (number 189932) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 20 or 21 August 1916 - killed in action on 18 November 1916 - name inscribed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

Awarded the Military Medal - no citation - unit recommendation dated 21 November 1916: "In attack on Desire Trench, Nov. 18/16, these N.C.O's and men did valuable work in maintaining communication throughout the Battn, all the time being under heavy shell fire. They also assisted, in bringing in the wounded."

(Updated with a photo of Pte Smith's inscription on the Vimy Memorial that I took in August 2012).

(sources: Library and Archives Canada (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca), online attestation papers; Canadian War Museum, 19740281-001, Manu 58F 2 3, 207th Canadian Infantry Battalion and 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Nominal Roll; The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Regimental Museum, A400-0007, Master Personnel List for the 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force; Commonwealth War Graves Commission, "Debt of Honour" register, www.cwgc.org; Canadian War Museum, 19680229-001, Manu 58C 1 2.18, Honours and Awards, 38th Battalion (Records of recommendations for honours and awards and mentioned in dispatches 19161121 19190117))