Sergeant Lester “Les” Smith joined The Queen’s Own Rifles (NPAM) officially in 1931, though he had been associated with the Regiment since 1928.

In 1935, he was part of the Guard that went to England for the Regiment’s 75th birthday to The Buffs. He and Cpl (later RSM) Harry Fox were cabinmates on the voyage to England.

Smith was on the Regiment Rifle team and shot in competitions at Connaught, Ontario and Bisley in England.

He was a machinist by trade and had some health concerns, so was not allowed to “go active” in the Army during the Second World War, despite volunteering, and considered an essential occupation in the war economy.

Smith continued to serve in the 2nd (Reserve) Battalion throughout the war years and into the early 1950s.

Sergeant Smith died on 24 November 2002, in Midland, Ontario.