| Surname: | Smith |
| Initials: | D J |
| Rank: | Corporal |
| Army Number: | 23971837 |
| Notes: | RMP.. Provost Officer. London Gazette 52597, 10467, 9/7/1991. Corps of Royal Military Police Regular Army. Short Serv. Commn. Late Entry. 23971837 WO I. David John Smith (537734) to be 2/Lt., 10/5/1991, with seniority 10/5/1987. To be Lt., 10/5/1991, with seniority 10/5/1989. See No. 537734 Lt. D J Smith for more details. Extract from the Belfast Telegraph, 1/12/1971. Corporal David Smith (25), Royal Military Police of Hull; "For a remarkable contribution to peacekeeping during two years. He drove his officer throughout the most violent crowds and his coolness and daring became by-words." |
Decoration Record: | |
| Decoration: | Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct (London Gazette: 45532 Page: 13051 Nov. 30, 1971) |
| Citation: | Northern Ireland. Citation: Corporal Smith was involved in peace-keeping in Northern Ireland for almost two years until July 1971. During the spring and summer of 1970, as driver and radio operator for the officer in charge of military police in Belfast, he drove his unprotected vehicles through the most violent crowds and his coolness and daring became by-words. On some occasions he alone talked potentially hostile groups into dispersing. He faced violent mobs day after day and endured long periods without rest that would have broken a lesser man. He returned to a platoon in August 1970 and his steadfastness, courage and determination were an inspiration to all. As an assistant in the operations room from March 1971, his intelligent and quick reactions enabled many potentially dangerous situations to be dealt with successfully. His contribution to peace-keeping over the whole period was remarkable. |
Provost Officer Appointments: | |
| No appointments recorded | |