I came across this

[Smudger1962]

Hi
I came across this in my grandparents effects. Do the references mean anything to anyone particularly military experts. Fred smith is my uncle but my cousins know nothing about it.

I've googled names and references but nothing turns up. Any ideas appreciated.

Cheers

[Ashtone]

During the 1950s, there are news reports written by Capt WAC Digby (Military Overseer) about various soldiers. They're like mini biographies. The document you have may relate to a story he did on Fred Smith.
It looks like a "for publication" type of reference. Hence the Story No. ref numbers on the document.

The actual news report (mini bio) of Pvt Fred Smith may not have made it to publication. Or it may have been published in a Sunderland newspaper not currently online.

[Ashtone]

Here's an example of what Captain WAC Digby would write on various soldiers.

[Andy J2022]

Was it actually attached to a photograph?

This looks like what are known as 'local boy' stories. A short PR piece about a local soldier and his activities in the Army which were pushed out to the local press in his home town/area. The aim was recruiting and 'keeping the Army in the public eye' (Kape). Frequently, the PR story would include the fact that the subject - in this case Fred Smith - would be appearing locally along with an Army recruiting team. They might set up in the main square of a town or visit local schools, where Fred would be available to talk to people about his life in the Army. Kape tours are still used today and are usually popular with soldiers who want to volunteer as it means getting home for two weeks without having to use up any leave.

Unfortunately I can't find any copies of the Military Observer online - it's not one of the papers FindMyPast have scanned so far - so I haven't been able to track down the story. Presumably with the reference to Suez, this was put out in 1956. Does that tie with what is known about Fred Smith?

[Smudger1962]

Thanks Ashtone and Andy. That's interesting. from what you say it may be worth a visit to our local history centre (if they ever get it open again) The local paper would have been the Sunderland Echo. I could see if there was anything in there. Uncle Fred would have been about 20 or 21 in 1956. Interesting what you say about photographs too. This was found in a box of old photographs and I know that there were photo's of him in uniform. I remember my dad telling me that he was a good marksman and I'm sure that I've seen one where he has been presented with some sort of award in the shape of a shield, possibly from a shooting competition. I wonder if this could have originally been attached to the photograph. I will try and dig it out.