It’s time to start looking at some of the great Canadians who have earned the Victoria Cross (VC) — and where better to start than with the starting point of The Road To Valour, the regimental armoury of the last living Canadian living with the VC, Ernest “Smokey” Smith, VC, CM, OBC, CD

When we think of Canadian valour, one name always rises to the top — Ernest “Smokey” Smith -Victoria Cross recipient, soldier, and storyteller. His courage under fire in the Second World War became legendary, but so too did his humility and humour. Smokey wasn’t just a hero in uniform — he was a reminder that greatness often wears a grin.

Smokey once said, “I never thought about being brave. I just did what had to be done.” Those words perfectly capture the essence of Canadian courage — quiet, determined, and without fanfare. Born in New Westminster, British Columbia, in 1914, Smokey joined the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada in March 1940. He would go on to serve in Sicily, Italy and northwest Europe.

It was in Italy, near the Savio River, on the night of October 21–22, 1944, that his bravery would etch his name into Canadian history. When his company was attacked by a strong force of German tanks and infantry, Smokey — armed with a PIAT anti-tank weapon and a submachine gun — stood his ground. He single-handedly destroyed a German tank, held off waves of enemy soldiers, and helped save a wounded comrade, all while under heavy fire. For this extraordinary act of courage, he was awarded the VC. The citation for his VC describes well the battle that he fought:

In Italy on the night of 21st-22nd October 1944, a Canadian Infantry Brigade was ordered to establish a bridgehead across the Savio River. The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada were selected as the spearhead of the attack and in weather most unfavourable to the operation they crossed the river and captured their objectives in spite of strong opposition from the enemy. Torrential rain had caused the Savio River to rise six feet in five hours and as the soft vertical banks made it impossible to bridge the river no tanks or anti-tank guns could be taken across the raging stream to the support of the rifle companies.
As the right forward company was consolidating its objective it was suddenly counter-attacked by a troop of three Mark V Panther tanks supported by two self-propelled guns and about thirty infantry and the situation appeared almost hopeless. Under heavy fire from the approaching enemy tanks, Private Smith, showing great initiative and inspiring leadership, led his PIAT Group of two men across an open field to a position from which the PIAT could be employed. Leaving one man on the weapon, Private Smith crossed the road with a companion and obtained another PIAT.
Almost immediately an enemy tank came down the road firing its machine guns along the line of the ditches. Private Smith’s comrade was wounded. At a range of thirty feet and having to expose himself to the full view of the enemy, Private Smith fired the PIAT and hit the tank, puting it out of action. Ten German infantry immediately jumped off the back of the tank and charged him with Schmeissers and grenades. Without hesitation Private Smith moved out into the road and with his Tommy gun at point blank range, killed four Germans and drove the remainder back. Almost immediately another tank opened fire and more enemy infantry closed in on Smith’s position. Obtaining some abandoned Tommy gun magazines from a ditch, he steadfastly held his position, protecting his comrade and fighting the enemy with his Tommy gun until they finally gave up and withdrew in disorder.
One tank and both self-propelled guns had been destroyed by this time, but yet another tank swept the area with fire from a longer range. Private Smith, still showing utter contempt for enemy fire, helped his wounded friend to cover and obtained medical aid for him behind a nearby building. He then returned to his position beside the road to await the possibility of a further enemy attack. No further immediate attack developed, and as a result the battalion was able to consolidate the bridgehead position so vital to the success of the whole operation, which led to the eventual capture of San Giorgio Di Cesena and a further advance to the Ronco River.
Thus, by the dogged determination, outstanding devotion to duty and superb gallantry of this private soldier, his comrades were so inspired that the bridgehead was held firm against all enemy attacks, pending the arrival of tanks and anti-tank guns some hours later.

London Gazette, no. 36849, 20 December 1944

Smokey Smith was the last living Canadian VC recipient. He passed away in 2005, but his story of bravery, loyalty, and the enduring strength of those who serve still resonates today.

Ernest “Smokey” Smith earned his nickname long before he became Canada’s last living recipient of the VC. Growing up in New Westminster, British Columbia, he was a lively, quick-witted kid with more energy than discipline—a trait that followed him into the army when he joined the Seaforth Highlanders in 1940. His comrades gave him the nickname “Smokey,” some say because he could “smoke” just about anyone in a race or boxing match, others because he always seemed to be where the action—and the smoke—was. Either way, the name fit him perfectly. It captured his mischievous charm, his fearless spirit, and the spark that made him one of the most unforgettable characters in Canadian military history.

While Smokey Smith was without doubt a hero, he could also be a commander’s worst nightmare. He quickly earned a reputation for being an insubordinate soldier and hell-raiser who didn’t believe in taking orders. As a result, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal and then demoted back to Private nine times! He was the only Canadian Private to be awarded the VC during the Second World War. In fitting fashion, when he was presented with the VC by King George VI at Buckingham Palace, he refused to bow as is customary. Instead, he simply saluted the King. The night before he received the award, he was reportedly placed inside a jail cell, with a couple of beers, in order to “keep him out of trouble”.

As The Road To Valour draws nearer, I’m reminded that the spirit of people like Smokey lives on in every veteran and first responder who faces their own battles — sometimes on the battlefield, sometimes within.

Let’s honour that spirit by supporting those who continue to serve. Learn more about The Road To Valour at TheRoadToValour.ca. Please consider donating to support Wounded Warriors Canada. Your donation helps veterans and first responders find their road to recovery and resilience.

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