Ernest "Smokey" Smith - Record Detail

Ernest "Smokey" Smith. - December 12, 2001.


Part Of:New Westminster Museum and Archives oral history collection  [Description]
Description Level Item
Series No. A
Item No. 26
Date Range December 12, 2001
Title Source Title based on content of item.
Physical Description 1 sound recording (48 min., 53 sec.) : digital (mp3)
History/Biographical Ernest "Smokey" Alvia Smith was born in New Westminster on May 3rd 1914. Smith enlisted in the Canadian Army in March 1940 and became part of the Seaforth Highlanders as a private. Smith landed in Sicily as part of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division in 1943 and served throughout Sicily and Italy. Smith was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces for his action on the night of 21/22 October 1944 at the River Savio, in Northern Italy. After the war Smith left the military but re-enlisted during the Korean War. He did not see active combat but served till his retirement as a Recruiting Sergeant in 1964. By 2000, Smoky was the last living Canadian V.C. recipient and he devoted much of his time to numerous veteran causes. Smith also received various other awards after the war including the Order of Canada, and the Order of British Columbia. Smokey passed away August 3rd 2005. On August 9th 2005 his body was placed in the foyer of the House of Commons to lie in state.
Scope & Content This audio recording features Smokey Smith's experiences surrounding World War II. The recording covers his experiences from 1940 till 2001. It has been divided into 6 tracks.

1. Start of the recording to Minute 10: Covers some biographical details, reasons why he joined the war, and feelings about the war.

2. Minutes 10 to 17: Describes his time in Italy. He describes how he won the Victoria Cross. He also speaks about receiving the VC in England and his feelings about it.

3. Minutes 17 to 24: Describes his feelings on the civilians in Italy. He speaks about an average day in Italy, and all the campaigns that he was involved in during his time in Italy. He also speaks about what it's like in a war and fighting besides other Allied Nations during the war.

4. Minutes 24 to 33: Describes the different injuries he received in action and his feelings about wanting to stay in the war. He also speaks about his uniform, supplies, and mail service and the liberation of Italy, and war in general.

5. Minute 33 to 39: Describes going on leave in London, one vivid memory from the war, and his experiences and feelings on VE-Day. He also speaks about flying home and being back home.

6. Minute 39 till the end of the recording: Features his post-war experiences. He talks about his views on the treatment of veterans by the government, the different associations he belonged to, and what it means for him to be a veteran. He also talks about how he observes Remembrance Day, and his life in general after the war.

Please note that this recording is at times very difficult to understand as Mr. Smith's voice is unclear at times.
Access Restriction Access copy only available in MP3 format
Repro Restriction New Westminster Museum and Archives
Name Access Smith, Ernest Alvia "Smokey"
Subject Access Oral History | Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Record ID 41051
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