George Walter Smith (53801 & N71238)

George Walter SMITH was born in 1897, the fifth of seven children born to George Walter SMITH (1867-1915) and Bridget COFFEY (1866-1965). He grew up in Sydney and like most of his family was involved in the entertainment industry listing his occupation before WW1 as vaudeville artist.

On the 16th of February 1918 George enlisted in the AIF and left Australia aboard the SS FeldMarschall in June 1918 as part of the 4th General Reinforcements. At the time of his enlistment, George had been serving for just over 2 years in the 26th Infantry Battalion of the AMF and prior to this had spent 4 years in the Senior Cadets.

At some point George was assigned to the 4th G.S.Rfs. according to his paybook. George also served in Le Havre, France at the Aus. General Base Depot.

George returned to Australia in October 1919 and was discharged in November that year.

In 1921, George married Alice Irene SMITH and they had four children. When WW2 broke out, George again enlisted in the Citizen's Military Forces on 7 November 1939. He served in the 2 Garrison Battalion until his discharge in April 1940.

George passed away in January 1945.

References / Further Research:

• Service Record for George Walter Smith 53801, National Archives of Australia, B2455/1, 1778854 (digital copy online)
• Service Record for George Walter Smith N71238, National Archives of Australia, 2002/04885823, 5601438, B884 (Citizen's Military Forces Personnel Dossiers, 1939-1947)
• WW1 Embarkation Roll, Australian War Memorial
• WW2 Nominal Roll

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