SMITHEMAN, FRANK JAMES, Captain, was
born at Witney, Oxon, 16 June 1872. He was educated at Witney; became a
hunter, and explorer, and served in the South African War, 1900-2, as
Captain in the Rhodesian Horse; took Despatches through the Boer lines into
Mafeking; was mentioned in Despatches three times; received the Queen's
Medal and four clasps, the King's Medal and two clasps, and was created a
Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April
1901]: "Frank James Smitheman, Captain, Rhodesian Horse. In recognition of
services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia, etc, were
sent to the Commander-in-Chief in South Africa, and presented to him there.
He became Lieutenant of the BFF, and was attached to the Scouts, MRF, during
the Matabele Rebellion, 1906 (Medal). Captain Smitheman became DAAG, Army
Headquarters, South Africa. He was fond of polo and big game shooting.
