Ernest Alvia Smith, VC, CM, OBC, CD

1914 - 2005

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Smokey - The Soldier

Ernest Alvia 'Smokey' Smith, was born in New Westminster, B.C. in 1914 and educated in elementary and technical schools there. He left his work with a contracting firm to enlist in the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada in March 1940, joining the regiment overseas a few months later. He was a private when he won the Victoria Cross at the Savio River in Italy on Oct. 21-22, 1944.

The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada were the spearhead of the attack across the river, which torrential rain had caused to rise six feet in five hours, making it impossible to get tanks and anti-tank guns across to support the rifle companies.

The right forward company was suddenly counter-attacked by three Panzer tanks, supported by self-propelled guns and some 30 infantry. Private Smith led his PIAT (projector, infantry, anti-tank) group of two men across an open field and left one man on the weapon. Crossing the road, Private Smith obtained another PIAT. An enemy tank attacked and wounded the man on the first PIAT. Smith fired his own and put the tank out of action. German infantry jumped from the tank and attacked him but Smith drove them back with his tommy gun. Obtaining more tommy magazines which had been abandoned in a ditch, Private Smith steadfastly held his position, and later gave aid to his wounded comrade.

"No further immediate attack developed and as a result, the battalion was able to consolidate the bridgehead position so vital to the success of the whole operation, which led to the eventual capture of San Giorgio Di Cesena and a further advance to the Ronco River," reads the citation in part.

'Smokey' Smith left the army for a short time after the war, but rejoined and served until August 1964, when he was released with the rank of sergeant.

Smokey - The Canadian

In 1947, Ernest "Smokey" Smith married Esther Weston. They raised two children, David and Norma Jean. Following his retirement from the military in 1964, Smokey and Esther started a travel agency, Smith Travel, in downtown Vancouver. Smokey, with his kind, forthcoming nature and sense of humour, successfully established Smith Travel as a fixture in the Vancouver business community. Often, Smokey would accompany groups of clients and friends to historic World War Two venues. The Smiths comprised a happy and loving family. Smokey and Esther were married for nearly fifty years, until Esther's death in December 1996.

Smokey has committed a great deal of his time and energy representing the Canadian Forces, Veterans, British Columbians, and Canadians in general at countless historic and commemorative and other events locally, nationally, and internationally. Smokey Smith was an inspiration to Canadian youth and represented Canadian values such as service to ones country and the meaning of citizenship. He placed a high priority on and enjoyed talking with young people. Mr. Smith was active in the community and frequently participated in various events across Canada. His legacy will live on through the many lives he has touched.