Sgt. Q.G.M. Smythe - S.A. Victoria Cross Holder

 
In June of 1942, Sgt. Smythe - of the 1st SA Infantry Division - was involved in action in Libya for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. The citation for his medal reads as follows:

War Office, 11th September, 1942 The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS to:
No. 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.

Smythe, who eventually rose to the rank of Captain,  hailed from Natal and passed away in Durban in 1997.

Below is a graphic depiction of Smythe's actions from the British National Archives.