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Trpr. Robert Alinson Smith
British Army Nottinghamshire Yeomanry, D Sqd. Royal Armoured Corps
from:Redhill, Surrey
(d.27th June 1944)
Robert Smith joined the Nottinghamshire Yeomanry in 1943 and became a tank driver in D Squadron. He landed on Day Day in a Sherman Duplex Tank.
Bob was part of Operation Martlet and the push toward Caen. He was involved in the Battle of Rauray Farm, Fontenay Le Pesnel. Only two British tanks were destroyed during the engagement. Uncle Bob's tank was struck by a shell outside the farm gates. Bob and the tank Commander, Sgt Green, both died as a result of their injuries and are buried next to each other in the Cemetery at Fontenay le Pesnel. This engagement was part of the book, By Tank Into Normandy, written by their Commander.
The story was further enhanced with the fact that Bob had, for some unknown reason, changed seats that day with the turret gunner. The remaining crew members survived on that day and later wrote to my grandparents expressing sadness and regret.
