SMITH, FREDERICK, Captain, was born
in 1858. He was educated for the medical profession (LRCPI, LRCSI, DPH,
Durham), and joined the Army; served in the Zulu War, 1879, receiving the
Medal with clasp; on the North-West Frontier of India, 1897-98, and
accompanied the Mohmund Expedition (Medal and clasp). He served in Sierra
Leone in 1898 and 1899, taking part in the Mendi and Protectorate
Expeditions (Medal with clasp). He served in the South African War, 1900-1;
attached to the 2nd Wiltshire Regiment, and later on as Secretary to PMO;
took part in operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900;
operations in Orange River Colony and the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, May
to 29 November 1900, including actions at Biddulphsberg, Bethlehem (6 and 7
July) and Wittebergen (1 to 29 July); operations in Cape Colony, south of
Orange River, 1899-1900; operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to May 1901. He
became a Captain, RAMC, 30
March 1890. For his services in South Africa he was mentioned in Despatches
[London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Medal and four
clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order
[London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Frederick Smith, Captain, Royal Army
Medical Corps. In recognition of services during the operations in South
Africa". The Insignia were presented by the King 2 June 1902, and the
Warrant sent 4 June 1902. He was promoted to Major 30 March 1902. He
served in the European War; on mobilization he commanded a stationary
hospital; afterwards took command of a general hospital in France; was
promoted to be ADMS of a division, and finally DDMS of a corps. He received
the Mons Star; was twice mentioned in Despatches; created a CMG (1916), and
a CB (1918), and promoted Brevet Colonel. Colonel Smith was the author of
'Modern Bullet Wounds' (1903) and 'Drainage in Tropical Countries' (1904).
He married Jane Violet Laing, and has one daughter and two sons: Violet
Overton; Hector, and Helier Laing.
CB (m), CMG, DSO,
Zulu Medal 1879 (not recipient's, but entitled), East & West Africa (1)
Sierra Leone 1898-9 (Capt, RAMC), QSA (4) CC Trans Witt SA 01 Maj, DSO, RAMC),
1914 Star, BWM, Victory Medal (Col), 1911 Coronation (Maj).
Regimental
Museum, Aldershot 1993.
