Cpl David Smith 78 1 RWF - 21st June 1973

[img2=left]http://rwf-forum.co.uk//vBulletin/images/misc/poppy.jpg[/img2][img2=right]http://www.rwf-forum.co.uk/vBulletin/images/misc/davidsmithstrabane.jpg[/img2]Cpl Smith was killed by a booby trap, whilst conducting a search of 247 Ballycolman Estate Strabane, on the 21st June 1973. Earlier in the afternoon, the Battalion had mounted a follow up search operation at No. 246 and 249 BallyColman Est, following a massive explosion at the Strabane labour exchange.
The operation ended at approx 1500hrs, then at 1600hrs the same day an anonymous call was received stating that 2 men had been observed entering No 247 Ballycolman Est carrying a suitcase.

As a result of this information a patrol from Support Coy 1 RWF, with a search dog were sent to investigate. Cpl Smith entered the house, and whilst he was inside an explosive device was triggered. Cpl Smith died soon after reaching hospital; two other soldiers were also injured. In addition three children playing nearby suffered from cuts and shock.

Cpl David Smith was aged 31 and a member of the Assault Pioneer Platoon 1 RWF. He was buried at Ely Cardiff on the 28th June 1973.

The Strabane branch of the SDLP condemned the bombing. They described the incident as “A senseless squander of human life, which doesn’t have a shred of support among decent Christian-minded people in the Strabane area."

Mr Nice Guy, always seemed to have a smile on his face. His nickname was "Lamps" due to his big eyes.

Yes I remember Lamps, he was our Section Commander. Myself and Roy Carter plus the rest of the platoon were there on that terrible day. Roy drove the vehicle to the hospital, myself and the padre held onto the stretcher with Lamps, a very good mate.

Yes Mac, I remember that fateful day very well, poor ol Smudger! Whether it was fate or not, Smudge asked me to go back to the' pig' to man the radio, while the search was conducted. If i remember correctly, Mac's arm was fractured, by the heavy doors of the 'pig' swinging against him as he was holding on to the stretcher! We were hurtling along to the nearest hospital.

As a Section Commander, Smudger was respected by all in his section, and a good mate too, I never heard a bad word said against him!!

Smudge was one of the careful ones, no tea houses etc. He was one of the good guys.

Gone but never forgotten.

I was on leave at Butlins, Barry Island when Lamps got blown up. I went to his funeral in Cardiff, where there was a huge turnout. All of his old mates were there plus a large contingent from the First Battalion. Who could ever forget his banter with Fred Dargie it was hilarious. A genuine bloke.

I remember Dave from when I first joined D Coy in 64. He and Fred acted like a couple of mother hens for the first few days, Dave (Lamps) was one of the best, he would help anyone, Dave and Fred were a double act, with Fred Matter as a go between ...good days all three sadly missed ...

I remember 'Lamps' from the Honiton days and in Londonderry. We did a lot of patrols together and he was always looking after his men; he is very sorly missed.

We did the London Lord Mayor's Parade in1972 and I thought about it on Saturday, whilst watching it. All the best, 'Lamps'.

I knew Smudger as he was know to me, I would also like to pay my respects to his memory. He always had time for me as I was a young member of the Regiment, he would always speak, and always smiled.
I know Fred Dargy must miss him badly.
Bob Fuller ex. A.C.C. attached.

I remember ‘Lamps’; he would do anything for you. He was sadly missed after that fatal day in Londonderry.

I just found a picture of him doing the Zulu Warrior on a table during one booze session. I’ll post it later

All the best, Lamps, my good mate

LCpl George Badham