Description
Korea, UN Korea, 4344324 Fusilier J Smith, RNF, who was wounded in action 20th January 1951. 4344324 Fusilier J Smith is reported wounded in The Times dated 20 January 1950 and in St George's Gazette dated 28 February 1951 is reported wounded in action, remained at duty. He is reported wounded with other members of his Battalion listed as killed in action 3 January 1951. The 1st Battalion Royal Northumberland Fusiliers (RNF) part of 29th Brigade arrived in Korea in November 1950 and later took part in the Battle of Imjin River 22 to 25 April 1951. Chinese forces attacked Belgian positions on Hill 194 and continued their advance to the bridges. Those that were able to cross the Imjin attacked the RNF right rear company on Hill 257, a position close to the river and almost directly south from the crossing. Further downstream Chinese forces managed to ford the Imjin and attacked the RNF left forward X company on Hill 152. The retreat of X company had serious consequences for Y company which occupied the right forward position threatening its flanks. After unsuccessful British attempts to regain the lost Hill 257 and 194, Y company's position was abandoned, the retreat being covered by C Squadron 8th Hussars.
During the rest of the night the Gloucestershire Regiment's right and left forward company's engaged Chinese units attempting to cross the Imjin by morning the next day both had suffered severe casualties. On 23 April the RNF and Americans from 3rd Infantry Division attempt to regain lost positions failed, the Belgians managed to withdraw supported by the 7th US Infantry and took up new positions south of the Glosters and RNF. At 2030 the Gloster's forward companies were withdrawn, B company drove off seven Chinese assaults before they could withdraw. During the night the Chinese crossed the Imjin and attacked the RNF and Royal Ulster Rifles (RUR) on the right of the Brigade's line.
The Chinese made a deep penetration between the Glosters and RNF, cutting off th e Glosters, a relief force failed to get through and was withdrawn under intense fire. At 0800 on 25 April 1st Corps ordered a withdrawal of all forces to a new defensive position further south, the RNF, RUR and Belgians withdrew covered by the 8th Hussars, B company RUR acting as rearguard.
With full research confirming him as being the Smith who was wounded in the in the St. George Gazette with his service number