A well documented 1914/15 trio Russia medal of St George, Memorial Plaque, 6/Liverpools T.F. & RFC awarded St. George for St. Julien 22/41915 . After his unit was attached to the Canadians and his platoon reduced to three men earned his award for great gallantry in bringing in wounded. Commissioned in the field and attached to RFC, Observer to Capt. Bell Irving and fortunate to survive when forced down and pilot grievously wounded. Earning his wings as pilot was accidentally killed flying accident

1914/15 Star (Pte. L’Pool R.) , B.W.M., Victory (Lieut) , Russia Medal of St George, 4th Class (Pte. 1/6 Liverp’l R), Memorial Plaque (Allen Wenman Smith)

With Original and copied photos, newspaper cuttings and research letters from recipients sister forwarding the copy photos . Original notes written by the recipient regarding the actions around St Julien in 1915

Newspaper cutting regarding his death

‘Lieutenant Allan W. Smith who as already reported was accidentally killed whilst flying at Tern Hill, Market Drayton, was the younger son of Mr. And Mrs. Frank Smith, Fulwood Great Crosby. He was a personality of singular charm, and his proved courage and resource as a soldier won for him the esteem of his brother officers and great popularity among the men of the units with which he was connected. Twenty one years of age , he was educated at Merchant Tailors School, Great Crosby and was apprenticed to Messrs Mellor and Fenton, cotton brokers, of Liverpool. At the outbreak of war he joined the 6th Kings (Rifles), and went to France in February 1915, and took part with the Canadians in the seven days fighting around St. Julien coming out of it with only three other survivors of the platoon to which he was attached. Later young Allan Smith and his brother particularly distinguished themselves in bringing in the wounded under heavy fire, and , in the words of his officer, “Allan showed wonderful bravery and resource in this direction”. For this he was recommended for distinction and received the Order of St. George. In January, 1916 he was granted a commission, and joined the Royal Flying Corps. Early in his career of this new branch he gave evidence of pluck and skill, for when his pilot, Captain Bell Irving, was shot as they were taking observations of the enemy’s lines, he brought the machine safely down in our lines. For this deed he was awarded the Military Cross and, on returning to England to train as a pilot, he obtained his wings and also his promotion to Lieutenant……………………..’

Copy of letter. home (sister’s letter refers to the copy)

I have just had a wonderful escape, and I have to thank Captain Bell Irving for his great love and devotion, which has undoubtedly saved my life and his. We went up. In the morning to take photographs – we succeeded in taking 11, although we were shelled very badly. When over the Hun lines at 8,000 feet, and five miles from our own trenches, Captain Bell Irving was badly hit in the head by ‘Archie’. He lost control of the machine for some time owing to being stunned, but regained consciousness and was able to control the machine again. I cannot describe my feelings whilst the machine was out out control, it was just awful. He made for our own lines as steeply as possible, how that brave and gallant pilot held on God knows – it was his love for his observer. We were both covered in blood, neither of us could see far, but Bell managed to land in a small field, only smashing the under-carriage – then he collapsed, all he could murmur was “dear little Smith I would not have had you killed for all the world, so I made the greatest effort of my life.” This effort saved me from an awful death. God knows how I thank him. I left him under morphia and undergoing an operation. The C.O.came out and took me home in his car. The photographs are safe, which is great thing…………………..
The C.O says I will be flying home soon, and he is going to have Charlie (recipient’s brother) in this squadron, and stretch a point and have two brothers………..
Best love
Allan

Allan Wenman Smith, b. 28/8/1896 enlisted in the 6 Liverpool Territorials 26/1/1913, served in France from 24/2/1915, disch to commission, 27/7/1915 ‘O.T.C. in the Field’ to Royal Flying Corps, served 1 Squadron , observer to Captain Bell Irving DSO MC . To England for pilot training, Certificate 3695 Brooklands , dated 8 October, 1916, Maurice Farman Biplane Accidentally killed flying , 18/3/1917