Rum surplus
Mr. Smith describes the influence of too much rum on his gun crew, and a brush with the military police.
Allan A ‘Spike’ Smith
First name
Allan A ‘Spike’
Last name
Smith
Gender
M
City
Minto
Province
Manitoba
Biography
Allan A ‘Spike’ Smith was born in Minto, Manitoba on May 7, 1894. Mr. Smith enlisted while attending the University of Saskatchewan, joining the 196th Battalion. He did his basic training at Camp Hughes, Manitoba. Once overseas, he was at Camp Seaford in England when he was selected to reinforce the 46th Battalion. He saw his first action just prior to Vimy, and was wounded by shrapnel at the Chalk Pits. He returned to action at Drocourt-Queant, and was again wounded by shrapnel. He later returned to Passchendaele. He received a Military Medal for bravery. After the war, Mr. Smith became a farmer, coached a women’s volleyball team, and became an agriculture inspector. He died on August 12, 1981.
People old ID
411
People Language
E
Bullseye
Mr. Smith describes competition among the machine gun crews as part of his training regimen in the war zone.
Bloodshed and death
Mr. Smith describes the deadly impact of German defenses at Drocourt-Queant (Hindenburg Line).
Honorable discharge
Mr. Smith discusses his return home from England.
Stray shells
Mr. Smith describes being in action at Drocourt-Queant (Hindenburg Line), witnessing a bayonet attack, and being wounded again by shrapnel.
No Man’s Land
Mr. Smith describes the retaking of Vimy Ridge, and being wounded by shrapnel after reaching the Chalk Pit.