| Citation: | 1 May 1972 - 31 July 1972. Citation BEM: Cpl Smith was already serving in Northern Ireland when the civil disorders broke out in 1969. He has therefore, been involved in peacekeeping operations for nearly two years without a break.He was one of the first Military Policemen to enter, completely unarmed, the barricaded areas of Belfast into which the Army and the RUC had been refused access. With tact, determination, and a great deal of courage he, and other NCO's of 173 Pro Coy, gradually worked themselves in, although a tense and explosive atmosphere still prevailed. Corporal Smith was very prominent in these manouvers, persuading the inhabitants to co-operate, with a rear combination of tact, daring and firmness. He was particularly effective in the next more difficult step of re introducing the RUC into these areas. Showing considerable patience and determination to achieve a large measure of success - despite frequent attacks with bottles and stones. His influence on both military and civil police during this phase was of immense value.In March 1970, when disorder flared up again, Cpl Smith became driver and radio operator for the officer in charge of Military Police duties in Belfast. Throughout the ensuing Spring and Summer he drove his unprotected vehicle up to and through the most violent crowds with outstanding skill and dash. His coolness and daring became a by-word amongst his own unit and the battalions operating in Belfast. On a number of occasions his assessment of crowds was instrumental in enabling battalion commanders to make successful deployments. He even talked small groups into dispersing himself. Throughout the period March-August 1970 he was involved in every major incident, enduring long periods without sleep or rest which could well have broken a lesser man. Day after day he faced violent mobs, sometimes several times a day, only escaping serious injury on several occasions through good judgement, dash and a large slice of luck.He returned to his platoon in August 1970 and was promptly embroiled in riots and peacekeeping duties until March 1971. During this time he set an example of steadfastness, courage and determination which was an inspiration to all. Some of the rioting was the most vicious seen in Northern Ireland with an increasing use of firearms and high explosive bombs, but Cpl Smith never complained and continued to be amongst the first to volunteer for dangerous or difficult jobs. In March 1971, as part of the reorganisation of the Military Police, he was appointed operations assistant at the Military Police operations room in Belfast. Here, his quick thinking, initiative, endurance and ready wit engendered confidence in others with whom he worked and earned him the trust and respect of staff officers, civil police and soldiers alike. His intellect and quick reactions enabled many potentially dangerous situations to be dealt with, successfully.Cpl Smith's contribution to peace keeping operations over the last two years has been truly remarkable. Experienced Officers and SNCO's could rightly feel proud if they had set such an example and influenced events as much. To have maintained such spirit and courage over such a long period of sustained operations is deserving of the highest praise and is worthy of high recognition.Citation: A/Sergeant Smith was posted to Northern Ireland in April 1970. he was immediately placed in charge of a section deployed in Belfast with responsibility for the policing of a very tough and intensely sectarian area into which the RUC were not allowed. Although unarmed he carried out these duties with such determination and disregard for his own safety as to be an inspiration to his men at all times. on the evening of 3rd June 1970 Sgt Smith was given the task, with his section of six NCO's of controlling a very large Roman Catholic crowd confronted by an even larger crowd of Protestants. The Protestant crown was being controlled by a strong force of RUC but they were unable to prevent frequent sallied across the road to taunt and stone the Roman Catholics. Despite this provocation Sgt Smith succeeded in preventing any retaliation although in the process he was given some very rough treatment. Eventually, after five hours, the crown was persuaded to leave an an extremely dangerous situation was averted. Again, on 28th June 1970, Sgt Smith was given the task of preventing a clash between sectarian elements at the road junction through which an Orange parade was to pass. For this task he had only tow junior NCO's to assist him. As the procession arrived the situation quickly deteriorated and serious rioting broke out between the rival crowds. With a total disregard for his own safety Sgt Smith force his way through the crown to where the fighting was heaviest and talked, pushed and persuaded the Roman Catholic crowd to move back. For thirty minutes Sgt Smith and his two NCO's prevented a major clash until riot troops arrived. Sgt Smith then, although repeatedly his by missiles, led the riot platoon into the middle of the road between the two crowds. There is no doubt that Sgt Smith's courageous actions were instrumental in limiting casualties and preventing a situation in which many lives could have been lost. Throughout his tour Sgt Smith has acted without regard to his personal safety and on numerous occasions has averted bloodshed and serious riots by his timely and courageous actions. he has displayed characteristics of leadership and example well above those expected of someone of his rank and service. This outstanding service should be recognised by an award.Recommended by: Lt. Col. APM, HQ Northern Irela nd.. Maj. Gen. C in C, Northern Ireland. Lt. Gen. GOC Northern Ireland. |
