Quentin George Murray Smythe VC (6 August 1916 – October 1997) was a South African recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
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He was 25 years old, and a Sergeant in the Royal Natal Carabineers, 1st SA Infantry Division, South African Forces during the Second World War when the following deed took place near Alem Hamza in Libya for which he was awarded the VC; the citation was gazetted on 11 September 1942:
War Office, 11th September, 1942The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS to:
No. 4458 Sergeant Quentin George Murray Smythe, South African Forces.
For conspicuous gallantry in action in the Alem Hamza area on the 5th June, 1942.
During the attack on an enemy strong point in which his officer was severely wounded; Sergeant Smythe took command of the platoon although suffering from a shrapnel wound in the forehead. The strong point having been overrun, our troops came under enfilade fire from an enemy machine-gun nest. Realising the threat to his position, Sergeant Smythe himself stalked and destroyed the nest with hand grenades, capturing, the crew. Though weak from loss of blood, he continued to lead the advance, and on encountering an anti-tank gun position again attacked it single-handed and captured the crew. He was directly responsible for killing several of the enemy, shooting some and bayonetting another as they withdrew.
After consolidation he received orders for a withdrawal, which he successfully executed, defeating skilfully an enemy attempt at encirclement.
Throughout the engagement Sergeant Smythe displayed remarkable disregard for danger, and his leadership and courage were an inspiration to his men.[1]
He later achieved the rank of Captain. He died from cancer in Parklands Hospital Durban, South Africa in October 1997. He was a farmer from Richmond, the grandson of the penultimate Prime Minister of Natal, Charles Smythe and was educated at Estcourt High School.[2] He was an outstanding marksman, a passionate conservationist and animal lover. He left his third wife Pat, three sons, a daughter and 11 grandchildren.
The other South African recipients of the VC in World War II were: Gerard Ross Norton, Edwin Swales, and John Dering Nettleton.
Auctioned in UK 1998.
The Medal is displayed at the Johannesburg (Gauteng) Military Museum, South Africa.