Eric Smith

Brigadier Eric David "Birdie" Smith CBE DSO (19 August 1923 – 7 March 1998) was a senior British Army officer and military historian who was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, for leadership and gallantry on 3 September 1944, whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion, the 7th Gurkha Rifles in Italy, during the Second World War. Smith later commanded the 1st/2nd Gurkhas in the Borneo Confrontation, Hong Kong and Brunei. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1975.

Early life

Birdie Smith, was born in Cupar, Fife, Scotland in August 1923. He was nicknamed Birdie because his nose was considered to resemble a bird's beak. He was educated at Allhallows College, Dorset.

Military career

He joined the 4th Indian Division in Italy and fought at Castle Hill during the Battle of Monte Cassino. The Journey made on a Wessex helicopter commenced at Sibu, Sarawak, and the destination was a forward company base operating north of the Indonesian border. After rehabilitation in UK, he returned to operations in Borneo 18 months after losing his arm in the helicopter crash, taking command of the 1st/2nd Gurkhas. He remained in command of the 1st/2nd Gurkhas following their move to Hong Kong and then as the first resident battalion at Seria, Brunei.

Honours and later life

Smith was Colonel of the 7th Gurkhas from 1975 to 1982. He was appointed MBE in 1952 and CBE in 1975.

Smith died on 7 March 1998. He was survived by his wife Jill and daughters Joanna and Beverly.

Works

Smith was the author of several books, including: