WS/Capt., T/Maj., A/Lieut.-Col. Robert Edward OSBORNE-SMITH (41242)
Robert Osborne-Smith was recommended by Brigadier H. Essame on the 22nd October 1944 for a periodical Distinguished Service Order.
Distinguished Service Order (London Gazette date 29th March 1945)
“For outstanding personal courage and powers of leadership whilst Commanding the 1 WORC R. in the operations around MOUNT PINÇON, at the crossing of the NOIREAU, at the SEINE and between the WAAL at the NEDER RIJN in Sep 44. During this period his Battalion has completed successfully all the operations ordered by his Brigade Commander. In the face of determined counter-attacks by the enemy at BERJOU and EAST of VERNONNET on the SEINE, his cool courage kept his Battalion steady when the enemy had succeeded in working round his flanks. More than his share of tiresome and bloody mopping up operations has fallen to his Battalion, notably at QUESNEE, BERJOU and ELST. All these have been successfully performed. As a result of his inspiring and personal example, the reputation of his Battalion is worthy of the highest traditions of the Worcestershire Regiment.”
Background:
Robert Edward Osborne-Smith was born on the 18th July 1908 at St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands. He was commissioned in to the Northamptonshire Regiment in 1929. Promoted to rank of Lieutenant on the 31st January 1932 and served in India.
As a keen cricketer, on the 4th December 1934, he was a member of the British Army Cricket team when they played North Zone Northern India in the Ranji Trophy 1934/35 at Bagh-e-Jinnah, Lahore.
Appointed to be Adjutant of the Northamptonshire Regiment on the 18th February 1937. Promoted to rank of Captain on the 1st August 1938.
In April 1944, he transferred to the 4th Battalion Wiltshire Regiment and was Second in-Command to Lieut.-Colonel E. L. Luce. He took the advance vehicle party to London Docks and sailed for Normandy on the 15th June 1944. Due to bad storms unloading was delayed until the 23rd June 1944. He continued as Second in-Command during the fighting in Normandy in June and July 1944.
On the 7th August 1944 he was posted to command the 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment. During the attack on Tripsrath (Germany) in November 1944 he was wounded in the leg and had to be evacuated.
Promoted to substantive rank of Major on the 31st January 1946 and to substantive rank of Lieutenant-Colonel on the 20th September 1952.
In the New Years honours in 1954 he was awarded the
O.B.E. (London Gazette 1st January 1954).
Promoted to Colonel (Temp. Brigadier) and promoted to Brigadier on the 31st August 1958. He finally transferred to the Reserve Officers List on the 19th July 1960 and retired from the army on the 18th July 1966.
He lived in Tettenhall, Staffordshire but later moved back to his family home on Jersey.
Brigadier Robert Edward Osborne-Smith died on the 13th December 1972 at St
Aubin, Jersey, Channel Islands (aged 64).
CLICK
HERE TO RETURN TO INTRO OF 1st BATTALION 1944-45 AWARDS AND CITATIONS