An Important Collection of Awards to the SAS and Special Forces

A fine campaign group of three awarded to Warrant Officer Gilbert Smith, Special Air Service Regiment, mentioned in despatches for bravery in Borneo

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (23233233 Cpl. G. J. Smith, S.A.S.); General Service 1962, 3 clasps, Borneo, South Arabia, Dhofar, with M.I.D. oak leaf emblem (23233233 Sgt. G. J. Smith, SAS); Regular Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (23233233 W.O. Cl.2 G. J. Smith, SAS) nearly extremely fine (3)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, An Important Collection of Awards to the SAS and Special Forces.

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M.I.D. London Gazette 13 December 1965. ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Borneo Territories during the period 24th December 1965 to 23rd June 1966. Staff Sergeant Gilbert James Smith, Special Air Service Regiment.’

Gil Smith enlisted at Exeter on 10 February 1955, for the Light Infantry, joining the Special Air Service Regiment shortly afterwards. He served continuously thereafter with the SAS in Malaya, Aden, Borneo and South Arabia. According to a news cutting sold with the lot, he was wounded in the shoulder in Aden but made a full recovery after nine months. He was finally discharged from the SAS in February 1977 after 22 years service. The lot is also sold with original certificates of Service and Qualifications, a congratulatory letter for his M.I.D., four photographs and his SAS beret.