A SECOND WAR BATTLE FOR BELGIUM 1940 M.M. AWARDED TO A ROYAL ENGINEER NCO FOR HIS GALLANTRY UNDER HEAVY FIRE IN BLOWING A CRATER TO SLOW THE GERMAN ADVANCE, 14 MAY 1940. ORIGINALLY RECOMMENDED FOR THE D.C.M.

MILITARY MEDAL GIV ‘2210969 L/SGT. W. D. SMITH R.E. (REPLACEMENT)’

M.M. London Gazette 20 December 1940. The original recommendation for a D.C.M.:

“On the night 13/14May this NCO was under 2/Lt SOUTWORTH, in charge of a large road crater EAST of DYLE. The road had to be kept open till the last moment to permit the withdrawal of the cavalry. He remained at his post until 1500 hours on May 14th and finally successfully blew the crater after the cavalry passed through. This action which was performed under shell and M.G. fire when the enemy were within 300 yards created a most effective obstacle to enemy A.F.V.s and blocked a direct line of approach to our position. It was carried out with complete disregard to his on personal safety and was a most inspiring example to all.”

Lance Sergeant William Drummond Smith served with 238th (County of Renfrewshire) Field Company, Royal Engineers, of the 1st Division, which was part of the B.E.F. during the battle for Belgium and France, May - June 1940.

With Belgium and France being invaded on 10 May 1940, Sergeant Smith’s M.M. was for his actions during the battle for Belgium when the British 1st Division were attempting to hold back the advance of the German’s at Dyle. Royal Engineer units of the Division were at this time tasked with blowing bridges or creating craters to slow the advance.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_France

Those elements of 238th Field Company that were not killed or captured, were evacuated back to Britain in June 1940.

Condition GVF, medal an official replacement.