Ernest Smith Park
Municipality/Province: Ottawa (Kanata), ON
Memorial number: 35040-012
Type: Park, sign and plaque
Address: 42 Bishops Mills Way
GPS coordinates: Lat: 45.3188653 Long: -75.8917313
Submitted by: Richard Turcotte
Ernest Smith Park was named in memorial to Private Ernest Alvia Smith. The park features a biographical plaque on Private Smith, and was erected by the City of Ottawa and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 638.
Inscription found on memorial
[plaque/plaque]
Private Ernest Alvia Smith, VC, CM, OBC, CD
Ernest “Smokey” Smith was born on May 3, 1914 in Westminster, British Columbia. Educated in British Columbia, he enlisted with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada in March 1940.
On the night of 21st – 22nd October 1944, “Smokey’s” unit, attempting to establish a bridgehead across the Savio River, fell under counter-attack by a troop of three Mark V Panther tanks and about 30 German infantry. Private Smith, with an anti-tank gun put one Panther tank out of action and drove back the enemy infantry. As the attack continued, Smith held his position until the enemy withdrew. For his brave actions during battle, Smith was awarded the Victoria Cross.
After the war, Smith became actively involved in his community. He contributed his time to commemorative activities on local, national and international levels. In 1996, Smith was made a member of the Order of Canada. He died peacefully surrounded by his family and friends on August 3, 2005.
Ernest « Smokey » Smith est né le 3 mai, 1914 à Westminster (Colombie-Britannique). Après avoir fait ses études dans cette province, il s’engagea dans le Seaforth Highlanders of Canada en mars 1940.
Dans la nuit du 21 au 22 octobre 1944, alors qu’elle tentait d’établir une tête de pont sur la rivière Savio, l’unité de « Smokey » subit une contre-attaque menée par trois chars Mark V Panther secondés par une trentaine d’officiers d’infanterie ennemie. L’attaque se poursuivit mais Smith conserva sa position jusqu’au retrait de l’ennemi. Il se vit attribuer le Crois de Victoria pour sa bravoure dont il fit preuve au cours de cette bataille.
Après la guerre, Smith s’impliqua activement dans sa collectivité. Il consacra de son temps à l’organisation d’activités commémoratives aux niveaux local, national et international. En 1996, Smith fut fait membre de l’Ordre du Canada. Il mourut paisiblement, entouré des membres de sa famille et d’amis, le 3 août 2005.
Street view
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