Military History

Embarked Fremantle HMAT ‘Anchises’ A68 for Egypt 2.9.1915.
Roll Rank Private
Roll Unit 7th Infantry Brigade, 28th Battalion, 3rd Reinf, AIF.
Smith disembarked at Suez. He entrained to Alexandria, joined the BEF and embarked for Gallipoli 12.10.1915. The 28th Bn. reinforced the Anzacs at Gallipoli and suffered only light casualties (AWM 28th Bn.). They were evacuated from Gallipoli in December 1915 and landed at Mudros island. From Mudros they embarked per HT ’Ansonia’ for Alexandria 10.1.1916. After a period of military re-organisation, the 28th Bn. embarked with the 2nd Division at Alexandria for the Western Front 16.3.1916. Smith disembarked at Marseilles 21.3.1916. The 28th Bn. prepared for their first major action at Pozieres in July- August 1916. Smith was wounded in action 4.8.1916. He suffered from Shell shock and admitted to the Casualty Clearing Station. He rejoined his unit on 13.8.1916. The 28th proceeded to the Somme Valley and fought east of Flers in October 1916. Smith was wounded in action (2nd time) with a GSW to his left forearm 3.11.1916. He was invalided to England and admitted to the Edmonton Military Hospital 18.11.1916. Smith was hospitalised for almost 2 months and took 2 weeks furlough before marching in to Perham Downs 6.2.1917. Smith was attached for duty at the Australia Club for Officers London 15.2.1917. Smith was detached from duty to attend the Officers School – Military Aeronautics 3.8.1917. Smith graduated and was appointed Flying Officer Pilot and 2nd Lieut. Flying Corps AIF 17.5.1918. It is not recorded if 2nd Lieut. Smith participated in flying raids, however, he was discharged from the 32nd Wing RAF at Tetbury with acute Neurasthenia. Smith was listed for early return to Australia as an invalid.
Embarked UK per ‘Sardinia’ D24 for Australia 19.10.1918
with acute Neurasthenia.
Returned/Disembarked Fremantle 16.12.1918.
Discharged 27.2.1919.
Final Rank 2nd Lieut., Australia Flying Corps
Medical Condition Acute Neurasthenia.
Awards and Medals 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Notes Smith changed his surname by deed poll to Brand-Smith. He died 1.4.1953 leaving his wife Irene Brand-Smith. At the time of his overseas service he was described in the Daily News as sharp shooter and one of the youngest boys at the Front
Photos  C.H.C. Smith. Photograph source Daily News 7.2.1916
              HMAT 'Anchises'. Photographer A.C.Green from Collection, sourced and reproduced with permission of Great Southern Card
              Australian Troops being towed ashore at Gallipoli. Photographer R.M. Bowman photograph source AWM P2194.005
              'Gibraltar', a damaged German redoubte at Pozieres 1917. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM E04588
              View towards Flers early 1917. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM E0020

Information Source
AWM P2194.005. Australian Troops being towed ashore at Gallipoli. Photographer R.M. Bowman photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM E04588. 'Gibraltar', a damaged German redoubte at Pozieres 1917. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM E0020. View towards Flers early 1917. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM Embarkation Roll Clarence Hugh Cyril Smith.
AWM 28th Bn.
Daily News
Guildford War Memorial
NAA: B2455, Smith C C
St Matthew’s Honour Roll



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