Smith, George Alexander
Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel
Regiment: 4th Battalion Gordon Highlanders
Biography: Son of Robert Smith, J.P. ; born Auchmar, Leslie, 21 November 1874 ; educated Aberdeen Grammar School ; student in Law, 1895-97 ; Advocate in Aberdeen, 1913. For many years Smith was an enthusiastic Volunteer and Territorial, being commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Gordons in 1900 and reaching the rank of Major in 1913. On the outbreak of war he was mobilized with the 4th Battalion Gordon Highlanders and went out with them to France in February 1915, and was wounded at Hooge in June 1915. From December 1915 till October 1916 he commanded the 8th King's Own Royal Lancasters, and saw much service at the Bluff, St. Eloi, and the Somme battles of Delville Wood, Guillemont, etc. For his services at the front he was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order in June 1916. From October 1916 till October 1917 he was in charge of the Territorial Records at Rouen. Preferring to go in the line again he joined the 5th Gordon Highlanders and took part in the big retreat at St. Quentin. From that time until his death he was in command of the Battalion. He was killed by a shell on 28 July 1918 at Buzancy, where "the noble thistle of Scotland will flourish for ever among the roses of France". Colonel Smith was wounded twice, June 1915 and August 1916, and was four times mentioned in Dispatches, 13 June 1916 ; 4 August 1917 ; 21 December 1917 ; 28 August 1918.
Honours: Distinguished Service Order
Date of Death: 28 July 1918
Burial Details: Buried at Raperie British Cemetery, Villemontoire, Plot 3A, Row D., Grave 10.
Publication: Roll of Service, edited by Mabel Desborough Allardyce. Published 1921.
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