SMITH, WILLIAM HUGH USHER, Captain,
was born in Londonderry, Ireland, 20 May 1869, son of Reverend Frank Smith,
MA, formerly Hector of Atherstone-on-Stour, Stratford-on-Avon. He was
educated at Trinity College, Stratford-on-Avon, and at the Royal Military
Academy, Woolwich, and became Second Lieutenant, Royal Artillery, 27 July
1888, and Captain 23 November 1898. He had become Ordnance Officer, 4th
Class, 1 April 1897. Captain Smith served in the South African War,
1899-1902, and took part in the operations in Orange Free State, April to
May 1900; in Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900; in Cape Colony,
south of Orange River, 1899-1900; again in Orange River Colony 30 November
1900 to January 1902; also during operations in Cape Colony, January to 31
May 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September
1901]; received the Queen's Medal with two clasps, and the King's Medal with
two clasps. He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order
[London Gazette, 26 June 1902]: "William Hugh Usher Smith, Captain, Royal
Artillery. In recognition of services during the operations in South
Africa". The Insignia, Warrant and Statutes were sent to the GOC, Cape
Colony District, 15 November 1902, and presented at Cape Town 5 January
1903. He was Ordnance Officer, 3rd Class, 1 April 1902 to 8 April 1907; was
promoted to Major 1 April 1904, and to Lieutenant Colonel 29 November 1907;
was Ordnance Officer, 2nd Class, 14 August 1907 to 7 December 1914. He
served in the European War, as Deputy Director of Ordnance Services, 1st
Army; became Colonel; Ordnance Officer, 1st Class, 8 December 1914;
Temporary Brigadier General from 20 August 1917, and Director of Ordnance
Services, British Salonika Force. He was created a CB in 1916, and a CBE in
1919. He married, in 1897, Amy, eldest daughter of Lieutenant Colonel F
Hall, late 88th Connaught Rangers, and they had two sons and two daughters.
