13 replies to this topic

[maricourt]

Dear Forum Pals

Captain [A/Maj] William Hammond Smith, 52nd Bde, RFA was the son of Charles Smith, Master of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge and Annie Smith.  He was educated at Faith's School, Blundell's School and Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge where he gained a BA in Classics.  He later studied at the Royal Academy and the Slade School of Art.  He was KIA 12th April, 1917.  A short biographical note plus photograph appears on the Cambridge All Saints Roll of Honour.

I would be interested in any further information about Major Smith especially anything about his work as an artist.

Many thanks ... Maricourt

[maricourt]

Dear Forum Pals - I should have added that John C Squire also dedicated a moving poem titled "To A Bulldog [WHS Capt/Acting Major/RFA killed April 12th, 1917]" -  I believe Squires and Smith had been friends at Blundell's School.

Regards ... Maricourt

[Moriaty]

From a quick web search on the author of the poem, John Collings Squire, I see that he avoided military service due to poor eyesight and was the Acting Editor of The New Stateman in 1917/18.

Moriaty

[rflory]

They were most likely friends at Blundell's School as Smith was there from September 1900 to Summer 1905 and Squire was there from September 1901 to Summer 1903.

[maricourt]

Many thanks Moriarty and Dick Flory for your posts - much appreciated.

Regards ... Maricourt

[Moriaty]

I wonder if you have been able to look at WH Smith's entry in the Tonbridge School book of the Great War?  It is possible there is some additional information on him.

His entry on the All Saints Roll of Honour says that a portrait painted by him was in the Cambridge Guildhall. I came across a BBC web site entitled Your Paintings, it shows nine paintings from the Cambridge Guildhall several of which are by unknown artists and could be pre Great War.  Cambridge City Council who own the collection may have some information.

Moriaty

[maricourt]

Many thanks, Moriarty - I will follow up your suggestion to contact Cambridge City Council.

Many thanks ... Maricourt

[Pete]

Dear Maricourt

William Hammond Smith was born at Cambridge on 30 November 1886, educated at St Faith's School, Cambridge and Blundell's School, Tiverton.  He was at Sidney Sussex College 1903-07  (Blundell Exhibition, BA in Classics): he was Hon. Secreteary of the boat club at the College and was there-quarter in the Rugby XV.  After leaving Cambridge, he studied at the Royal Academy of Arts (1909-12) living during this period at Edith Terreace in Chelsea; he was later at the Slade Schol of Art and painted several portraits including those of his father, a Mr Neville (I think a College Academic)  and the local MP for Cambridge- Sir R.U.P Fitzgerald.

The portrat of his father as of 2001 was still displayed in the Masters Lodge at Sidney Sussex College.  The portrait of the MP was orginally in the Guildhall Cambridge.

On the outbreak of war, he was commisioned from the OTC into the Royal Field Artillery and served in France from May 1915 to January 1916 with 'B' Bty 52 Bde RFA and from February 1916 to April 1917 with a Bty 52 Bde RFA; throughout this period the 52 Bde RFA was part of the 9th (Scottish) Division.

On 12 April 1917,  Smith's battery supported the attack on Roeux; he was in an observation post and left cover to get a better view and was struck on the head by a shell splinter.  He was carried back to dressing station but died within the hour. He is burried in the Athies Communal Cemeteray Extension, Pas de Calais, France .

[maricourt]

Dear Pete

Thank you so much for the above information - very much appreciated.  I had come to a bit of a full stop with my research but you have certainly provided me with a great deal of additional information.

Was he specifically a portrait artist?  I wonder if a catalogue of his works exists?  I'm not familiar with the art world to know how an artist's works are recorded after his/her demise.

Many thanks for your help.

Maricourt

[Pete]

Maricourt

Not sure if he was a portrait artist or what the recording system is for works.  The Mr Neville I refered to appears to by Francis Henry Neville (1847-1915) who was a lecturer in physics and chemistry at Sydney Sussex College.   His portrait was at one time at the College and I suspect still there.

The Royal Academy of Arts, as of April 1998, did not appear to have too much information of William Hammond Smith. They noted that he became a student there on 26 January 1909.  He was 23 and enrolled to study painting until December 1912. He was recommended by a J W Nicol.  He appears never to have exhibited at the Academy, although I am not sure what that realy indicates.

Would be interested in what other information you have on W H Smith or any future discoveries.

Best wishes

[Moriaty]

Sir Robert Uniacke-Penrose-Fitzgerald, 1st Baronet (10 July 1839 – 10 July 1919) was the Conservative MP for the Cambridge Borough from 1885 until 1906. He had been to Trinity Hall, Cambridge; rowed in the Cambridge boat in the Boat Races of 1861 and 1862 - Oxford won in both years.

[maricourt]

Hello Pete

Many thanks for the extra information on Major W H Smith.  He certainly seems an all-rounder - Classics, Rowing, Art and then the RFA.

Have you read his entry in the Tonbridge School memorial book?  I can pass this on to you if not.



Hello Moriaty,

Many thanks for the information on Sir Robert - it looks as if there is a Cambridge/Rowing/Academic connection.


Thank you both ... Maricourt

[Pete]

Maricourt

Not seen a copy of the Tonbridge School memorial book.  Would be pleased to receive a copy.


Best wishes

[maricourt]

Hi Pete - I've sent you a message re above.

Regards ... Maricourt