The RHF Veterans Forum

Kung-Fu · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 6:43 pm Post subject: Pte James Smith - 10th HLI

We are very sad to announce the passing of Private James (Jimmy) Smith 10th HLI who passed away on 4 Feb 2010 in Glasgow.

Jimmy a WW2 veteran was involved in the Normandy landings with the "Glorious 15th Scottish Division":

They were in action at the Odon Battle on 26th June. They fought virtually continuously from then on through Caumont, the Seine Crossing, the Gheel Bridgehead, Best, Tilburg, Meijel, Blerwick, the Maas and across the Rhine.

Their particular distinction was to be selected to lead the last set piece river crossing of the war, the assault across the Elbe on 29th April 1945, after which they fought on to the Baltic occupying both Lubeck and Kiel. They were the only division of the British Army of the Second World War to be involved in all of the major European river assault crossings; the Seine, the Rhine and the Elbe.

On 10th April 1946 the 15th (Scottish) Division was finally disbanded. Its battle casualties in killed, wounded and missing in just twelve months of fighting amounted to 11,772.

"He was in the HLI during the war years and he was a veteran of the Normandy landings, he always spoke of his comrades in arms and the bond that grew between them. I used to listen to his stories in awe, I just know he would love to think that after his death that he was recognised by any former comrades that may have survived."
(Robert his oldest son).

Jimmy is survived by his six children, Betty, Robert, Jane, Harry, James and Agnes.

Funeral Details:

Jimmy's funeral will be on Wednesday 10th February 2010 in the St. Frances in The East Presbyterian Church 64 Queen Mary St. in the Bridgeton area of Glasgow. The service starts at 1.30pm.
The cortège then travels out to Daldowie Crematorium Broomhouse for the service at 2.30pm.

We realise it's a bit late for anyone to go now but anybody that does turn up will be made more than welcome by the family.

-o0o-

"THE GLORIOUS 15th SCOTTISH DIVISION"

In the first World War you earned your name
By valiant deeds, men won you fame
The Kaiser’s hordes, I’ve oft heard tell
Could ne’er hold back ‘The ladies from Hell’

And now the sons of those fighting men
Are putting paid to the Hun again
Where’er they’ve fought, they’ve broken through
And the Nazis have learned to fear anew.

On Normandy’s plains they made their start
And many a man played a hero’s part
They faced the cream of the Nazi race
And the panzer troops couldn’t stand the pace.

In France, in Belgium, in Holland too
They’ve forged ahead, one end in view
They’ve always conquered, always will
Until the Hun has had his fill.

And when at last the fighting’s done
And final victory has been won
The Glorious Div’s immortal name
Will gain fresh lustre from their fame.

© L/Cpl. Alexander Barr - 193 Fld Amb R.A.S.C. written 10/10/1944

"Lest we Forget"

Some more information about Jimmy can be found HERE.

shug gracey · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 6:49 pm Post subject:

My condolences to the Smith family at this sad time.

RIP James
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face
and the rain fall soft upon your fields.
Until we meet again.
May you be held in the hollow of God's hand

Shug.

Kung-Fu · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 6:55 pm Post subject:

I too would like to pass on to the Smith family my sincere condolences at Jimmy's passing.

Rest In Peace Jimmy...

Ginge

williemckinlay · RSM Joined: 04 Dec 2006 Posts: 1961 Location: Glasgow

Condolences to Jimmy's family at this sad time... rest in peace soldier laddie your duty is done fall out and join the other brave men you know so well

Willie