Frederick Augustus Smith

Frederick Augustus Smith VC (Dublin 18 November 1826 - County Meath 22 July 1887) was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He was 37 years old, and a captain in the 43rd (Monmouthshire Light Infantry) Regiment of Foot (later the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry), British Army during the Waikato-Hauhau Maori War, New Zealand when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 21 June 1864 at Tauranga, New Zealand, Captain Smith led an attack on the enemy's position and although wounded before reaching the rifle-pits, he jumped down and began a hand-to-hand encounter with the enemy, setting a fine example to his men.

Further information

He died in Duleek, Co Meath, 22 July 1887. His grave (unmarked) is in Duleek (Church of Ireland) Churchyard, Co Meath.

A memorial plaque to him, originally in Duleek Church, is now situated in Kilmore Church, standing in the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra, Co Down.He later achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He commanded the 43rd Foot in the late 1870s.

References

Listed in order of publication year
*The Register of the Victoria Cross (1981, 1988 and 1997)
*The Irish Sword (Brian Clarke 1986)
*Irelands VCs ISBN 1-899243-00-3 (Dept of Economic Development 1995)
*Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
*Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)

External links

* [http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/ireland.htm Location of grave and VC medal] "(Co. Meath, Ireland)"
* [http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/aaauctio.htm VC medal auction details]
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