Private Gordon Smith

Gordon Smith was born on the 1st March 1923 and came from Normandy, near Middlesborough.

He enlisted into the Royal Engineers on the 12 December 1942. [1]

Not long after completing his trade training he volunteered for Airborne Forces and after completing the selection process at Hardwick Hall he was sent to RAF. Ringway to do Parachute Course 66. This took place between the 24 May and the 4th June 1943. His Parachute Instructors comments: ‘Slow, but spirited’. [2]

Upon completion he was posted to the 3rd Parachute Squadron, RE. However, in the Spring of 1944 he was ‘claimed’ by his brother, Sydney Ronald, serving in the 21st Independent Parachute Company, and he was posted there on the 4 April 1944. [3]

He went on to serve at Arnhem, as a Bren gunner, got back across the River and went on to serve in Norway in May 1945.

Later he transferred to the 22nd Independent Parachute Company, and then he was put on the W/T Reserve, 20th July 1946. He then re-enlisted into the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers on the 13 January 1948. [3]

Gordon Smith died on the 27 October 1988.

OBITUARY.

Gordon Smith.

The 21st Independent Parachute Company Club reports with sorrow, the death on 27 October 1988 of Gordon Smith, after a long illness borne with fortitude.

Gordon, who was born at Normandy, near Middlesborough on 1st March 1923, joined the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers [Royal Engineers] during the Second World war, later transferring to the Parachute Regiment. After completion of his parachute course at Ringway he was posted to the 6th Airborne Division, Royal Engineers. His elder brother, ‘Ron’, then a member of the 21st Independent Parachute Company ‘claimed’ Gordon into the Company in the late Spring of 1944 and he served in the Company in the UK., Arnhem and in Norway. In the Summer of 1945, together with a number of other members of the Company, he was posted from Norway to the 22nd Independent Parachute Company and served with this unit in Malaya, later returning to the REME. to complete his Army career.

Back in civilian life he worked as an electric arc welder with the British Steel Corporation until forced into early retirement through illness which led to his passing.

The Club’s sincere condolences are offered to Gordon’s widow Ethel (ex-WAAF.), daughter Judith, son-in-law, Don and grandson Simon and to his brother, ‘Ron’(ex-21st Independent Parachute Company) and twin brother, ‘Ken’ (ex-Flying Officer, RAF.).

NOTES:

[1] Service Record card.

[2] Parachute Course Report, RAF. Ringway. June 1943.

[3] The Parachute Regiment Transfer & Enlistment Book 18, page 65.