Private Gilbert Smith

Gilbert Smith was the son of Thomas A and Jessie Smith, of South Shields, County Durham, he enlisted in the General Service Corps and volunteered for airborne forces.

Private Smith successfully completed his parachute training at RAF Ringway on course number 96, from 16 to 30 December 1943. His course report stated “Confident and Capable jumper”. He was posted to 13th (2/4th Battalion, The South Lancashire Regiment) Battalion, The Parachute Regiment and took part in Operation Overlord (Normandy).

Pte Smith was killed in action on 12 July 1944, aged 19, and was buried in Ranville War Cemetery, Calvados, France.

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