- Contributed by
- Tony Cato
- People in story:
- Wallace Smedley
- Location of story:
- Aston Clinton Buckinghamshire.
- Background to story:
- Army
- Article ID:
- A3195588
- Contributed on:
- 28 October 2004
On the back of this picture it reads 'This fellow was shot for smoking on a farm by the police 1942'. The chap with a cross above his head is my grandad Wallace Smedley. The photo is also partially stamped in a circle 'Stala' and 'Gepru'
The last conversation I remember having with my grandad was about his time in the army. I had just signed up to join the junior leaders regiment and he asked me if I wanted his war medals. Of course I said yes who wouldn't. We carried on talking about his time in the regiment and being captured in Germany. During our chat, he said he had a photo of himself and some of his mates when he was in a pow camp. This I could also have when he could get round to finding them. Unfortunatley he never got the opportunity to give me his medals or the photo as two weeks later he died.
My Nan was aware that he wanted me to have his medals and she searched for days looking for them, however the medals were never found. We did find his soldier's release book, soldier's service and pay book and the all important photo.
My grand fathers name was Wallace Smedley, he was in the Northants Regt, Unit ATT 911 Stevedore Coy R.E. Army No 5882662. He was enlisted on 21 October 1931.
His testimonial reads: A good reliable type of man, honest and trustworthy, a very hardworker.
Military Conduct: Exemplary.
I hope the photo is of interest and if any one has more information about the photo I would love to hear from them.
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