World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Cults, Scotland, he served as a Master Lieutenant in the Mercantile Marine, Royal Navy Reserve. In the Atlantic Ocean, on March 10, 1917, Lieutenant Smith as Captain command of the SS Otaki, sighted the German raider SMS Moewe. The raider called on the Otaki to stop, but Captain Smith refused to do so. Thus a surface duel ensued at ranges of 1,900 to 2,000 yards, lasting for about 20 minutes. During this action the Otaki scored several hits on the Moewe, but the Otaki sustained heavy damage with several casualties and was on fire. Captain Smith gave orders for the boats to be lowered to allow his crew to be rescued. He remained on his ship and went down with her as she sank with the British colors still flying, after what was described in an enemy account as "a duel as gallant as naval history can relate". For most conspicuous gallantry, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on May 24, 1919.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Cults, Scotland, he served as a Master Lieutenant in the Mercantile Marine, Royal Navy Reserve. In the Atlantic Ocean, on March 10, 1917, Lieutenant Smith as Captain command of the SS Otaki, sighted the German raider SMS Moewe. The raider called on the Otaki to stop, but Captain Smith refused to do so. Thus a surface duel ensued at ranges of 1,900 to 2,000 yards, lasting for about 20 minutes. During this action the Otaki scored several hits on the Moewe, but the Otaki sustained heavy damage with several casualties and was on fire. Captain Smith gave orders for the boats to be lowered to allow his crew to be rescued. He remained on his ship and went down with her as she sank with the British colors still flying, after what was described in an enemy account as "a duel as gallant as naval history can relate". For most conspicuous gallantry, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on May 24, 1919.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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