Historical information
Richard James Smethurst enlisted No 2517 in the 7th reinforcements to the 5th Bn AIF on 13.7.15. He embarked for overseas and was hospitalised in Malta where he died from septicaemia caused by an insect bite on 28.11.15.
Physical description
550.1. Medals, court mounted, set of (3) re R.J Smethurst.
1. 1914-1915 Star
2. War Medal 1914-1919.
3. Victory Medal
550.2 Mothers and Widows Ribbon. Black cloth ribbon with silver bar. For a son KIA No 12701. Silver bar missing from bottom edge. (Possibly J2701)
Inscriptions & markings
550.1, " Pte R.J Smethurst 2517 5 BN AIF"
550.2,"Australian Military Forces for Australia".
