James enlisted in the Citizens Military Force (Reserves) in 1937 and was posted to "C" Company, 30th Battalion, The NSW Scottish Rifles. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 23 May 1940 and was posted to 2/1st Australian Medium Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery (RAA). He embarked with them to the Middle East on 1 Sept 1941 and returned to Australia on 16 Apr 1942. He transferred to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 25 Feb 1943, was promoted Acting Corporal on 4 Mar 1943 and reverted to Private at own request on 15 May 1943.
He joined the 2/2nd on 15 May 1943 and embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Trooper in No 5 Sect, "B" Troop and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Trooper in No 5 Sect, "B" Troop . He returned to Australia aboard "TAROONA" on 15 Sept 1945 and was discharged on 19 Oct 1945.
He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below. He was awarded an Efficiency Medal for his Reserve Service. He is now also entitled to the Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with a clasp "S.W.Pacific".
Vale James Relton Smith NX15613 - Courier September 2004.pdf.pdf
Letter from Jim Smith to Jack Carey 19 July 2002 .pdf
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