Military History

Smith enlisted in March 1915, and was first  designated to the 24th Bn. However, on April 16th the 16th Bn was raised at Blackboy Hill Camp (AWM 28th Bn). Smith was designated to this new Bn.
Embarked Fremantle per ‘Ascanius’ A 11 for Egypt 29.6.1915.
Roll Rank 2nd Lieut.
Roll Unit ‘C’ Company, 28th Battalion, AIF
Smith disembarked at Suez 30.6.1915. After a brief period of training, he proceeded to Alexandria and joined MEF for Gallipoli. Smith embarked at Alexandria per HT ‘Ivernia’ for Gallipoli 4.9.1915. He became sick whilst at the Peninsula 1.11.1915 and was transferred to hospital at Malta with possible diphtheria or tonsillitis 5.11.1915. He was admitted to Imtarfa Hospital then transferred to Verdala Hospital. Smith was promoted to Lieut. 1.12.1915. He returned to active service in Egypt. Smith was diagnosed with diphtheria and paralysis 13.3.1916. On recovery, Smith was taken on strength with 47th Bn. 4.5.1916. Smith embarked with the BEF in Alexandria for France and the Western Front 2.6.1916. He disembarked at Marseilles 9.6.1916 and was promoted to Capt. 29.7.1916. Smith was wounded in action in France, with a shell wound to his head 10.8.1916 (possibly at the end stage of the battle of Pozieres) and was sent to the Officer’s Rest Station. He was reported wounded in local papers (West Australian Newspaper 16.9.1916). Smith rejoined his unit 19.8.1916 and was then reported sick in field with a damaged septum/nose. He was transferred to the UK per HS ‘St. Dennis’ 10.9.1916. He was discharged to Perham Downs 19.11.1916, then marched out to Codford 21.12.1916. Smith rejoined his Unit in France 10.1.1917. He developed Mumps 30.3.1917 and rejoined his Unit 15.4.1917. Smith was transferred to 15th Bn. 2.5.1917. Smith transferred back to the 47th Bn. 11.5.1917. The 47th Bn. fought at the Battles of He rejoined his Unit 18.12.1917. Smith was seconded for duty with the Administrative HQ AIF in London 5.2.1918 and was seconded for duty with the No.4 Command Depot 24.5.1918. Smith was demobilized and was listed for return to Australia.
Embarked per HT ‘Demosthenes’ for return to Australia 16.1.1919 as Company Officer.
Returned/Disembarked 22.2.1919.
Discharged/ Appointment Terminated 20.4.1919.
Final Rank Captain, 47th Bn. AIF.
Medical Condition NK.
Awards and Medals 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Notes Smith had a brother on Active Service - 2nd. Lieut. Clarence Hugh Cyril Smith
Photos Gordon A F Smith. Photograph sourced from the Sunday Times 13.2.1916 p1
           HMAT 'Ascanius' 1914. Photographer E.L. Mitchell, photograph source AWM H16157
           Australian Troops being towed ashore at Gallipoli. Photographer R.M. Bowman photograph source AWM P2194.00
              Pozieres Battle Field June 1916. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM E05391

Information Source
AWM  H16157. HMAT 'Ascanius' 1914. Photographer E.L. Mitchell, photograph sourced fro the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM P2194.00. Australian Troops being towed ashore at Gallipoli. Photographer R.M. Bowman photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australia War Memorial
AWM E05391. Pozieres Battle Field June 1916. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Colection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM Embarkation Roll Gordon Arthur Friend Smith
AWM 28th Bn.
NAA: B2455, Smith Gordon Arthur Friend
St Matthew’s Honour Roll
Sunday Times
West Australian Newspapers



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