"In Italy on the night of 21st–22nd October 1944, a Canadian
Infantry Brigade was ordered to establish a bridgehead across the Savio River. The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada were selected as the
spearhead of the attack, and in weather most unfavorable to the
operation they crossed the river and captured their objective in spite
of strong opposition from the enemy. Torrential rain had caused the Savio River
to rise six feet in five hours, and as the soft vertical banks made it
impossible to bridge the river no tanks or anti-tank guns could be taken
across the raging stream to the support of the rifle companies. As the right forward company was consolidating its objective it was suddenly counter-attacked by a troop of three Mark V Panther tanks supported by two self-propelled guns and about thirty infantry and the situation appeared hopeless. Under heavy fire from the approaching enemy tanks, Private Smith, showing great initiative and inspiring leadership, led his P.I.A.T.
Group of two men across an open field to a position from which the
P.I.A.T. could best be employed. Leaving one man on the weapon, Private
Smith crossed the road with a Private James Pennant and obtained another
P.I.A.T. Almost immediately an enemy tank came down the road firing its
machine-guns
along the line of the ditches. Private Smith's comrade, Private Tennant
was wounded. At a range thirty feet and having to expose himself to the
full view of the enemy, Private Smith fired the P.I.A.T. and hit the
tank, putting it out of action. Ten German infantry immediately jumped
off the back of the tank and charged him with Schmeissers and grenades. Without hesitation Private Smith moved out on the road and with his Tommy gun
at point-blank range, killed four Germans and drove the remainder back. Almost immediately another tank opened fire and more enemy infantry
closed in on Smith's position. Obtaining some abandoned Tommy gun
magazines from a ditch, he steadfastly held his position, protecting
Private Tennant and fighting the enemy with his Tommy gun until they
finally gave up and withdrew in disorder. One tank and both self-propelled guns had been destroyed by this
time, but yet another tank swept the area with fire from a longer range.
Private Smith, still showing utter contempt for enemy fire, helped his
wounded friend to cover and obtained medical aid for him behind a nearby
building. He then returned to his position beside the road to await the
possibility of a further enemy attack. No further immediate attack developed, and as a result the
battalion was able to consolidate the bridgehead position so vital to
the success of the whole operation, which led to the capture of San Giorgio Di Cesena and a further advance to the Ronco River. Thus, by the dogged determination, outstanding devotion to duty and
superb gallantry of this private soldier, his comrades were so inspired
that the bridgehead was held firm against all enemy attacks, pending the
arrival of tanks and anti-tank guns some hours later."
From Pvt. Smith's Victoria Cross citation, awarded on 19 December 1944.
A true ass-kickin' ally!
Brian
Canadian Pacific Railway memorial railcar in honor of him.
Memorial at the Ernest Smith Park in Ottawa, Ontario.
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