209632 Sgt. Quentin George Murray Smythe VC.South African Forces Royal Natal Carabineers from:South Africa Quentin George Murray Smythe was 25 years old, and a Sergeant in the Royal Natal Carabineers, 1st SA Infantry Division, South African Forceswhen he was awarded the VC. The citation was gazetted on 11 September 1942:
"The King has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the Victoria Cross to: 4458 Sergeant Quentin George Murray Smythe, South African Forces. For conspicuous gallantry in action in the Alem Hamza area on the 5th June, 1942. During the attack on an enemy strong point in which his officer was severely wounded; Sergeant Smythe took command of the platoon although suffering from a shrapnel wound in the forehead. The strong point having been overrun, our troops came under enfilade fire from an enemy machine-gun nest. Realising the threat to his position, Sergeant Smythe himself stalked and destroyed the nest with hand grenades, capturing, the crew. Though weak from loss of blood, he continued to lead the advance, and on encountering an anti-tank gun position again attacked it single-handed and captured the crew. He was directly responsible for killing several of the enemy, shooting some and bayonetting another as they withdrew.
After consolidation he received orders for a withdrawal, which he successfully executed, defeating skilfully an enemy attempt at encirclement.
Throughout the engagement Sergeant Smythe displayed remarkable disregard for danger, and his leadership and courage were an inspiration to his men."
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