Sinton Family Trees - Smyths Of The Bann

Gerald Brice Ferguson Smyth was born on 7th September 1885 at Phoenix Lodge, Dalhousie, Punjab, India. He was the eldest son of George and Helen Ferguson Smyth, Helen being the daughter of Thomas Ferguson of Edenderry House, Banbridge. George served as the British High Commissioner in the Punjab.
Gerald was educated at Strangways School, England, then at Shrewsbury from January 1899 to July 1901, and finally as a private pupil of W T Kirkpatrick MA from October 1901 to February 1903. W T Kirkpatrick had been Headmaster of Lurgan College which, under his Headmastership, became one of the most renowned schools in Ireland. It was also the school to which Howard, Norman Dickson, Stanley and Thomas Spencer Ferguson (uncles of Gerald) were sent. Kirkpatrick eventually moved to Surrey, England where he taught private pupils, perhaps his most famous being C S Lewis, whose father Albert had been a friend and contemporary of Stanley Ferguson at Lurgan College.

Under Kirkpatrick's tutelage, Gerald gained a first place entrance to the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich on 2nd September 1903 and was commissioned to the Royal Engineers on 29 July 1905, leaving it as a 2nd Lieutenant. Afterwards he went to Chatham, where he excelled in Mathematics and was promoted to Lieutenant on 3rd February 1908. As well as this, Gerald was a first class interpreter in Spanish.

In the same year Gerald was posted to Gibraltar, serving in the 32nd and 45th Companies of the Royal Engineers for the following five years. During his time on 'the rock', he had the opportunity to partake in country sports and rode with the Calpe Hounds. He was also a keen polo player.

On 9th April 1921 "The Field' magazine re-published an article that they had published a decade before on 2nd April 1911. The article told of Gerald's love of photography that had taken him on a trek into the Sierra Nevada Mountains, in the company of a fellow officer W M Congreave. The two had set out to study and, if possible, photograph the Lammergeyer, a type of vulture with a large appetite for bone marrow which they extract from bones by taking them high into the air and dropping them onto rocks below to smash them. They were led through the mountains by one of the natives and brought to a ledge which looked towards a cave. Congreave fired his pistol and from the cave flew the Lammergeyer. The cave was situated about 100ft from the ground and was impossible to reach by ascending the cliff, so instead they had to descend from the top of the cliff which was some 350ft high. Unfortunately a fog rolled in and the attempt to reach the cave had to be put off until the next day.

The following day was not much better and in the course of the descent Gerald was almost killed by a boulder falling toward him. Luckily he saw it falling and kicked himself from the cliff face to try and avoid the boulder but unfortunately it struck him, tearing through his clothing and leaving a nasty gash on his shoulder. This put an end to his Lammergeyer research and photography!

After leaving Gibraltar in 1913 he was appointed to the 17th Field Company of the Royal Engineers at the Curragh, under special request of the Officer Commanding with whom he had served in the 32nd Company, Royal Engineers in Gibraltar.

On the outbreak of the Great War, he was offered the Chair of Mathematics at Chatham, but he declined in order to remain with the 17th Field Company of the Royal Engineers.

He embarked for France on 17th August 1914 whilst still serving in the 17th Field Company, Royal Engineers. Promotion for Gerald was always quick and hi October he was promoted to Captain. His ability and courage attracted attention. Brigadier-General Walker, in a memoir to the Royal Engineers Journal, wrote: "No words can do justice to his services during the retreat of 1914. He was the life and soul of the Company, his Irish humour and pluck did wonders in maintaining the discipline of the Company. "

In 1914, a long period of time was spent in the village of Missy in the Aisne area. In September he was leading No: 1 Section. On the 18th of that month, his section was engaged in entrenchment work from the bridge to Missy village and also clearing the field of fire. The following day they were improving defences. On 24* September Sections 1 and 4 were in Jury Valley in the Givenchy area with infantry fatigue parties of 100 men each. All of the month of September was spent improving defences.

On 17th October his Section was with the Devonshire Regiment. The following day they advanced 400 yards and he helped them to dig in. On 23rd October he found himself at Rue de Bethune erecting wire entanglements. While placing wire entanglements the next day, during the Battle of Aisne at Givenchy, his Section was caught under heavy shelLfire and had to take cover under a bank. Gerald spotted a wounded Non-Commissioned Officer in the open and went to his rescue. In the process he was badly wounded by a high explosive shell, which resulted in his left arm having to be amputated at the elbow, an operation that took place in a field ambulance. He also received an Sins by 6ins wound on his buttock. He received a gratuity of £140 for his wounds and £100 per year wound pension dated from 24th October 1915 until further orders were given for any change. In recognition of his bravery he was gazetted for a Distinguished Service Order (DSO) on 11th November 1914, presented to him on the occasion of King George V's birthday. He was also mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig's first list of Dispatches, dated 18th February 1915.

In early 1915 Gerald was begging to be re-admitted for service. This was granted on 25th February 1915 despite protests from the doctors and offers of staff appointments. An experienced Captain was needed for a Field Company of the Royal Engineers in the 9th Division of the New First Army. Gerald was offered and accepted the position, being stated fit for service on 10th April 1915. He returned to the front as Second in Command of the 90th Field Company of the 9th Division, writing the Battalion's War diary between October 1915 and June 1916.

Once again he was injured, though not by way of the Germans. On 27th May 1915 he was in a bomb factory at Nieppe Station to study the art of bombing when, at 17:50 hours, a bomb exploded prematurely, killing seven Non-Commissioned Officers and some men. Four Officers were also wounded, Gerald being one of them when he was blown out through a window. Another of those wounded was the Company Commander from whom Gerald had to take over. He remained with the Royal Engineers at Ypres during the winter of 1915 and spring of 1916. He saw action at the Battle of the Somme in the summer of 1916. He was promoted to a Brevet Major for his services in the King's Birthday Honours.

On 13th July 1916 he was again wounded when he was shot through the neck in the vicinity of Trones Wood during the Battle of the Somme. Whilst beckoning on his men with the stump of his left arm, the bullet passed through his neck from the left side to the front of the thyroid membrane where, luckily for him, it did not cause injury to any structure of importance. He was granted leave of absence from 17th July to 23rd August, departing Le Havre for Southampton.

On 31st August 1916 he reported for training at the Royal Engineers depot at Aldershot, England and he may have visited Ireland during his leave of absence, before returning to resume command of the Battalion on 19th September 1916.

Gerald's planning and leadership qualities had been well observed at higher level and it was suggested that he should not return to the field of battle. He was offered any privilege he wanted not to go back to the front, but it was an offer which the soldier in him refused. He returned to the front and within a short time he transferred from the Royal Engineers and joined the 6th KOSB (King's Own Scottish Borderers) as Company Commander, taking over his post on 18th November 1916 with the rank of Brevet Major. Between 26th and 28th February 1917 the Battalion generally spent their time clearing up. A few hours in the morning was devoted to field training, especially practising efficient use of their new box respirators (gas masks), while on some of the afternoons football was allowed. The men were also issued with new clothes.

A night attack was planned at the cast of Arras on 3rd May 1917. At 03:30 hours Gerald's Battalion attacked the western slopes of Greenland Hill and at 05:50 hours in the heat of the action Gerald was severely wounded, receiving shrapnel pieces in his right shoulder, which at the time it was thought would permanently weaken his arm. He was cited for a mention in Dispatches for "consistent skill and daring" and was awarded a Bar to his DSO for this action. The citation in the 'London Gazette' of 18th July 1917 read as follows: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Although seriously wounded, he remained at the telephone in an ill-protected trench for many hours during a critical time, to report the course of events to Brigade Headquarters. He realised that there was no other Officer of experience to replace him and his sense of duty may cost him his remaining arm, the other having been amputated as a result of a previous wound." His Battalion was the only one to reach its objective on the whole British front on 3rd May 1917.

He left Calais on 13th May aboard the 'Stadt Antwerpen', arriving in Dover the same day. On 14th May he was in the King Edward VII Hospital for Officers where he was kept from active service for between three and six months. At his own request he had written to the War Office seeking to be reinstated for active service, a request which was granted on 30th August 1917, but for general service only. On 22nd September he again embarked for France and on 24th October 1917 he took over active command of his Battalion which was billeted at Irish Farm. He took them via Wormhoudt to Uxem near Dunkirk. On the 28th welcome news came that they were to go to the seaside, being billeted at Malo-les-Bains for two weeks' leave.

At Bois St Pierre-Vaast Gerald, under orders, withdrew with both A and B Company under the cover of darkness and marched northwards with the idea of assisting Brigade HQ and the remainder of the Brigade. He had not completely recovered from his wounds, but this did not prevent him being at the front for the German Push of 1918. In the fiercest of the fighting he was holding a heavily attacked flank near Sorel, whilst on 23rd March he was on the new line in St Pierre-Vaast Wood, Moislains where he again skilfully held a badly attacked flank and was once again wounded. While in hospital he ran up and down the stairs to prove to a sceptical Medical Board that he was fit for active service. He was described as "that incarnation of the fighting spirit." The gunshot wound to the left of his chest caused a haemorrhage. Once again, he departed Calais for Dover and finally to hospital, the King Edward VII annexe, London. His address was recorded at the time as 96 Piccadilly West, possibly his mother's address. On 15th May 1918 he sent a letter requesting to be examined "as soon as possible."

Gerald was returned to duty on 1st June 1918 and in July 1918 he had the difficult task of attacking the Hoegenacker Ridge. In August he took part in a battle near Meteren, leading his Battalion across Passchendaele Ridge. He led his troops up Hill 41 at Ledeghem on 1st October and withheld an advanced and exposed right flank.

On 29th September 1918 Gerald, with Companies 'C' and 'D' of 6th KOSB, prevented the Germans from taking a position known as Flanderen Stellung and Dadizeele.

On 1st October 1918 he commanded his last action as Commanding Officer of the 6th King's Own Scottish Borderers. He referred to it as a 'dud show.' The 6th KOSB and the Royal Scots were to take the village of Ledeghem beyond the Roulers-Menin road. At 05:30 hours the attack began under a smoke barrage and the KOSBs came under heavy machine gun fire from Hill 41. The area had once been taken by the Ulster Division but had again been lost. An Irish Battalion were more successful on Hill 41. The Scottish Battalion's efforts were not complete and the area was not taken on this day. It was, however, taken successfully by another Division on 14th October 1918.

In October he was promoted to Brevet Brigadier-General, commanding the 93rd Infantry Brigade of the 31st Division, at the young age of 33 years. On 31st October 1918 a Battalion dinner was held at which General Smyth is recorded as having been present. He remained with them until they were disbanded in 1919.

In Captain Stair Gillion's book 'The King's Own Scottish Borderers in the Great War', Gerald received numerous mentions, Gillion describing him as a "one-armed Irish warrior of dauntless courage."

After the end of the First World War, he was on the Army list for a 'special appointment' which could not be publicly listed. After 1919 he was specially selected for Staff College for a year, after which he arrived for duty in Cork on 7th June 1920 in command of the 12th Field Company, Royal Engineers as Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel. Due to Gerald's great knowledge and skill, Major-General H H Tudor of the 9th Division made him Divisional Commissioner of the Royal Irish Constabulary in Minister. As he was in the job for only a short period of time, he never received a police rank but retained the Army rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.

In the Listowel Barracks on 19th June 1920 he is reputed as having made a speech saying:

"I wish to make the present situation clear to all ranks. A policeman is perfectly justified in shooting any person seen with arms (guns) who does not immediately throw up his hands when ordered. A policeman is perfectly justified in shooting any man whom he has good reason to believe is carrying arms (guns) and who does not immediately throw up his arms when ordered. Every proper precaution will be taken at police inquests that no information will be given to Sinn Fein as to the identity of any individual or the movements of the police.

I wish to make it perfectly clear to all ranks that I will not tolerate reprisals. They bring discredit on the police and I will deal most severely with any Officer or man concerned in them."

At the time many were doubtful of the authenticity of this statement, considering it to have been fabricated.

After this speech he was called to London for a meeting with the Prime Minister Lloyd George and the speech was later read and debated in Parliament.

Regardless of which version of the speech he actually made, Gerald was now a marked man and on the night of 17th July 1920, whilst he was in the smoking room of the Cork and County Club, 14 Sinn Feiners entered the building. Four or five of them rushed to the smoking room were Gerald, Inspector Craig and two other gentlemen were sitting. The following is a statement made by District Inspector P Riordan:

"They burst in through the door and one of them shouted 'Where is he?' The leader shouted 'Hands up', then opened fire, riddling his face, forehead and neck with bullets. After being shot, he sprang from his seat but it was evidently a death effort for he was fatally wounded. He rushed to the hallway but after a few yards he dropped dead."

When his body was lifted from the floor his gun was found in his hand. He was conveyed by ambulance to the Cork Central Military Hospital.

Records dated 24th January 1921 at General Head-Quarters, Parkgate, Dublin state that at the time of his death, Gerald was not employed under the Military Authorities. No official report was made of his death.

Problems arose in Cork when nobody could be found to drive the train to take his body to Dublin. This resulted in the body having to be brought from Cork to Dublin by motor transport and then by train to Belfast. A special train was assigned to bring his body back to Banbridge. His uncles Norman Dickson Ferguson, Stanley Ferguson, James W Murland and cousin Captain William Murland, under threat of death, (according to the late Jean Ferguson), went to Dublin to collect the body. District Inspector J C L Silcock. Private Secretary' to the Inspector General of the Royal Irish Constabulary, and Captain J J Duffy DL, representing the Commandant and Officers of the Royal Irish Constabulary depot in Dublin, also accompanied the body from Dublin. On arriving at Banbridge Station, the body was carried from the train to the hearse by employees of Ferguson's Edenderry works and then conveyed to Clonaslee, the home of Norman D Ferguson. The inscription on the coffin read:

BREVET LIEUTENANT-COLONEL
GERALD B FERGUSON SMYTH
DSO RE
DIED 17th JULY 1920
AGED 34 YEARS.

Gerald's funeral took place on 20th July 1920 from Clonaslee. It was probably the largest funeral ever seen in Banbridge. His coffin was draped with a Union Jack, his service cap and belt and a wreath from his mother placed on top. At 3pm the coffin was placed on a gun carriage and led through the town. The Rev H Macpherson of Guelph, Ontario, Canada (whose wife and Gerald were cousins) conducted a service in the house. The Macphersons were staying in Warrenpoint after having been on a visit to England to view their son's grave. He had been killed whilst serving with the Royal Air Force. The streets from Clonaslee to the Municipal Cemetery were packed solid with onlookers who had come to pay their final homage to a dear friend.

A special train from Belfast brought 100 men of the 1st Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment who were stationed in Newtownards, accompanied by their brass band, and 100 men of the Royal Irish Constabulary and their band.

Major-General H H Tudor CB CMC, Commander of the 9th Division and Police Advisor; Brigadier-General Sir William Hacket Pain KBE CB, Divisional Police Commissioner for the North of Ireland; Major Leathes (Belfast), representing Brigadier-General Carter Campbell CB DSO, Commander of Troops in Ulster; Lieutenant-Colonel Ritson; Mr J F Gelston, Commissioner of Police (Belfast); Sir Robert Liddell, and Lieutenant-Colonel W J Alien DSO DL MP, on behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party, all attended the funeral, as did other brother Officers.

As well as the many family wreaths that were laid, there were a few from friends. Two notable ones came from Viscountess Gort, and County Inspector F W Craig who was in the Cork and County Club the night Gerald was murdered, Craig himself being shot in the left leg. Craig remained in the Royal Irish Constabulary until 1922 and was a recipient of the King's Police Medal.

One person missing from his funeral was his brother Osbert. He was serving in Egypt and did not get home. Gerald was laid to rest alongside his father in Row B Plot 101 in Banbridge Municipal Cemetery, in a grave easily recognisable for its ornate lift high Celtic cross. The service was conducted at the grave by the Rev D H Hanson, after which three volleys of shots were fired over the coffin and the Last Post sounded.

A separate memorial was erected by the men who had served with him in the 6th King's Own Scottish Borderers, 9th Scottish Division and 90th Field Company, the money for its purchase being sent to J Ewing, former Adjutant 6th KOSB. J Ewing stated that "Gerald was over 6ft tall, was of a commanding presence and was one of the most outstanding personalities in the 9* Division."

An inquest was to be held in Dublin on 19th July 1920 with 16 jurors summoned to attend. On the day-only nine turned up. A Police Constable was ordered to go and get four of the others, but when he returned he informed the court that the others had made various excuses not to attend. Due to this, the inquest could not proceed and was abandoned.

Gerald's murder brought widespread revulsion to the town of Banbridge. During his funeral it is said that the 'Soldiers Song' (the Irish National Anthem) was played from premises in Bridge Street, believed later to have been burnt down by arsonists. Some premises did not close as requested by the Urban Council, the reason supposedly being that Sinn Fein had threatened them with reprisals if they did close their premises. A newsagency belonging to McMahon of Bridge Street, Banbridge, refused to draw their blinds and close the shop during the funeral; they later had their premises ransacked and burnt.

On 22nd July 1920, upwards on 2,000 people paraded through the town. After dispersing, a section of the crowd (approximately 300 to 400 people) converged on Scarva Street where they broke into Henry's Public House and stole alcohol. While there, a shot rang out from a house opposite belonging to Daniel Monaghan, who was known to have Nationalist sympathies. William John Sterritt, aged 17 years, received a bullet to the head and he died at 1:30am on the morning of 23rd July. Two others were injured, Minnie Shields and Fred Wilson. Minnie was shot through the arm, the shot that hit her being aimed at Sergeant Kennedy (RIC). The military arrived from Newry and were fired upon by the Monaghans, then" fire being returned. Daniel Monaghan and his sons Daniel O'Connell Monaghan and Patrick James Monaghan were tried before a court martial in Belfast, charged with the death of William Sterritt, the wounding of Minnie Shields and Fred Wilson, endangering the safety of an Officer of His Majesty's Forces and of endangering the safety of three members of the Royal Irish Constabulary, as well as possessing firearms and ammunition. Daniel and his two sons were acquitted on the charge of discharging firearms to the danger of the military and police. On the charge of possessing revolvers and ammunition, Dan Monaghan was fined £10 and Daniel O'Connell Monaghan (aged 15 years) was fined five shillings, whilst the decision in James Patrick Monaghan's case was promulgated as he refused to recognise the court as an Irish citizen.

Another incident involved the Protestant employees of the 'Banbridge Weaving Company' who demanded the removal of all Sinn Fein workers, the Manager having no alternative but to close down the factory. The workers then proceeded to the other factories in the town and called out their fellow workers with the result that the factories had to close down. The Catholic employees were only permitted back when they signed a document stating: "I hereby declare that I do not belong to Sinn Fein, and that I will not support it or sympathise with it." Committees were appointed from the various works in the vicinity to deal with the matter of those that were thought to support Sinn Fein. In the minute books of the Milltown works dated 11th August 1920, it stated: "Disturbance in work caused by the action of the Banbridge workers as a whole, in regard to Sinn Fein." Catholic workers were asked to swear that they would not support Sinn Fein, the penalty for those who did not co-operate was expulsion from the factory.

Each night the civic guard, under the direction of Ex-District Inspector Sheridan patrolled the streets. A considerable number of military personnel were drafted into the town and were barracked in the Temperance and Town Halls.

The damage claims in Banbridge during this period of unrest totalled £40,000. This included petty damage such as breaking windows and stealing goods from shops to, more seriously, the burning of buildings. Monaghan's premises were burnt, the total damage being estimated at £12,000.

There was a feeling at the time to re-name one of the local Orange Lodges in memory of Gerald. This occurred on 4th October 1920 when Loyal Orange Lodge 518 was re-named the 'Colonel Smyth Memorial.' At the inaugural meeting, Brother S J Fenton JP, a Director of 'F W Hayes & Co Ltd', presided and was assisted by Brother James McMeekin, Deputy Master. The meeting was opened with prayers conducted by Brother Rev Canon Kerr, District Chaplain, the new Officers were installed and the meeting closed. This Lodge is no longer in existence.

In honour of William Sterritt, Gideon's Chosen Few Loyal Orange Lodge 257 changed its name to the 'Sterritt Memorial.' This Lodge also fell into a dormant state in 1986, but the memory of William Sterritt has been revived as this Lodge was re-formed on 8th January 2000.

In total, Gerald was wounded at least five times - 24/10/1914 (lost arm), 13/7/1916, 9/4/1917, 3/5/1917 and 23/3/1918.

Mentioned in Dispatches - 19/10/1914, 18/2/1915, 1/1/1916, 15/6/1916, 18/5/1917, 23/12/1918 and 5/7/1919 (eight times on his gravestone).

Awarded the Distinguished Service Order and Bar, French Croix de Guerre and Palm, Belgium Croix de Guerre, Mons Star.

His medals, which I had the great privilege of viewing, are still in Smyth family ownership.

Gerald Brice Ferguson Smyth was a very brave man whose respect for the ordinary soldier was second to none. Should he have lived he may well have become an even more renowned soldier and reached the pinnacle of his profession.

On occasions of free time he returned to Ireland, and to his hometown of Banbridge, where he deserves a position of the utmost respect.

Loyal and brave and true as tempered steel
In him we lose more than we dare reveal
A depth and insight more like age than youth
Unruffled temper, firm regard for truth
The manly courage, ruling men with ease
Self disciplined, not seeking self to please
The kindly humour, giving life its zest
Gift which nature ever dowers her best
And when we looked on that bright open face
We felt more lenient to the human race.
We grieve, for nature claims her tribute due
But in our grief we find this truth most true
He sleeps, he feels not all our ache and pain
Tis ours to let him in his peace remain
What tho' he fell not on his field of fame
He won the martyr's crown in duty's name.

George Osbert Stirling Smyth was born at Kapurthala, Native State, Punjab, India on 27th January 1890, the youngest son of George and Helen Ferguson Smyth. His schooling consisted of a period (1903 to 1904, register number 782) at Campbell College, Belfast. From 1904 to 1908 he, like his brother before him, became a private pupil of W T Kirkpatrick before going on to Shasta House in Cheshire.

Osbert was a giant of a man, with a chest measurement of 33ins to 35'/2ins, a weight of 9i/a stone and a height of 6ft 9'/2ins at the age of 18 years (according to his military records). He was also extremely intelligent, being a first-class interpreter of Hindustani and a proficient interpreter of Persian. He could also interpret French and became Interpreter to the 160th Brigade, Royal Artillery.

He was admitted to the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich in 1907. While at Woolwich his mother wrote to the Commandant of the Academy stating that she wanted her son's name changed. She requested that Stirling be replaced by Ferguson, a request that was turned down.

Osbert was commissioned from the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich on 23rd December 1909 as a 2nd Lieutenant and posted to 62nd Battery of 3rd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery in India. He took ill in India with malaria, resulting in him becoming very anaemic and suffering the symptoms of asthenia. Like his brother Gerald, promotion through the ranks was rapid. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 23rd December 1912, to Captain on 23rd December 1915 and to Brevet Major on 3rd June 1919.

He signed up for War service and was injured in early 1914, being treated at the Queen Alexandra's Military Hospital, London on 14th August 1914. Whilst recovering, he was under the supervision of a physician called Ronald Ross KCB FRCS at Cavendish Square, London, before returning for duty to the front on 1st October 1914.

He joined the 93rd Brigade of the 31st Division of the lsl Army, being wounded on 29th October 1915 and again on 21st December 1915 by shrapnel pieces in the middle of his back and in his left arm, where the metal lodged below his elbow. He was operated on the next day and suffered loss of sensation due to nerve damage for the next six months. He was unable to flex his left elbow and had a weak handgrip, namely muscular spiral paralysis which prevented him from bending his arm beyond a right angle. He was to endure this until his death, carrying his arm in a sling for a period of time, although he did gain very slight use of his arm and hand in 1919. Osbert was sent back home to recuperate, going to 'Ardnabannon', the Annsborough home of his cousin Mr J W Murland.

On 3rd June 1916 he was awarded the Military Cross in the King's Birthday Honours, and on 10th September 1918 he was awarded the DSO, the citation reading as follows:

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Under heavy shelling he went along the Battery and put out ammunition that had been set on fire and with three remaining guns fired on the approaching enemy with open sights, inflicting heavy casualties. Next day, by collecting men near him and machine guns, he held up the enemy for hours."

He received the Mons Star and was awarded the French Croix de Guerre with Palm, being decorated with his award by the President of the French Republic. He was wounded three times (twice severely), mentioned five times in Dispatches and gassed twice.

Distribution lists published in July 1920 stated that he was a Brigade Major serving in Egypt with the 33rd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, having been posted there in July 1919 as reinforcements for regimental duty with the Egyptian Army. Eleven days after the murder of his brother Gerald, Osbert left his unit, sailing from Alexandria on 30th July and arriving in Folkestone on 10th August where he was posted to home establishment. He had insisted on this transfer in order to help crush the rebellion in Ireland, becoming part of a team of 11 hand-picked Officers who were known to Sinn Fein as the "The Cairo Gang.'

On 12th October 1920 at 2am, he and a group of soldiers went to the house of a Professor Carolan in Fernside, Drumcondra, Dublin. The Professor let them into his house, where they went firstly to Carolan's bedroom in which his wife was sleeping. They then went to the second flight of stairs and it was there that Osbert was murdered, along with Captain A P White of the Surrey Yeomanry. There were nine witnesses to the incident. Both men were believed to have been shot by Scan Treacy and possibly Dan Breen. Treacy boasted that he had attended Osbert's funeral and, if that were the case, it may well have been an ill-omen for him as he was shot and died in the gutter on a Dublin street two days later. Dan Breen fared better; when the new Irish Free State Government was formed he became one of its Ministers.

A court of inquiry was held with regard to the deaths of Osbert and Captain White in the King George V Hospital, presided over by Major Harding DSO MC of the Royal Garrison Artillery. Captain R F Bridges RAMC examined the two men's bodies. The examination on Osbert's body showed that a bullet had gone through his chest, through his liver and exited from the right side of his back. The second bullet went through his back from the left side, through his right lung and then through a vertebra. Death was due to shock and haemorrhage. He had served 11 years in the Army. His body was removed from the King George V Military Hospital with full military honours and placed in a mortuary van attached to the train at Amiens Street Station from whence it was taken to Banbridge.

His will, which was read at Castle Barracks, Dublin, stated that his decorations were to be disposed of, but fortunately this did not happen and they still remain in family ownership. The rest of his effects were sent to Mr J W Murland, ' Ardnabannon', Annsborough, County Down.

Banbridge Urban District Council called a special meeting at which a resolution was adopted expressing sympathy with the mother and other relatives of the late Major Smyth on their second terrible bereavement within the period of three months. Merchants and householders were requested to close their respective establishments during the passing of the funeral through the streets.

Like Gerald, Osbert was taken from Clonaslee on Friday 15th and interred in Banbridge Municipal Cemetery. As the coffin was removed from the house, a guard of honour from the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, with Band and Buglers under the command of Major Ackland DSO MC, stood for the salute. Placed on his coffin was a beautiful laurel wreath with white lilies from his mother and the inscription read: "To the most devoted and loving son that ever lived." The inscription on the coffin lid read:

CAPTAIN (BREVET MAJOR)
GEORGE OSBERT STIRLING SMYTH
DSO MC
ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY
DIED 12th OCTOBER 1920
AGED 30 YEARS.

The military marched with guns reversed and preceded the gun carriage. Directly behind the gun carriage a Sergeant walked with Osbert's dog, a rough-coated terrier. After that came the main mourners - his uncles Howard Ferguson JP, Stanley Ferguson, Norman Dickson Ferguson and his cousins Captain Thomas Dickson Ferguson MC, James Dickson Ferguson, Thomas J Ferguson and Stanley Carr Ferguson. His other uncle, Thomas Spencer Ferguson, was in America at this time. From the Murland family there was Mr J W Murland, Captain Warren Murland and Captain Charles H Murland. The Smyth family were represented by Osbert's cousins, Dr Malcolm Brice Srnyth, David Wilson Smyth and Brice (7) Smyth.

Other mourners included the Police Advisor, Major General H H Tudor CB CMG, Brigadier-General Sir William Hacket Pain KBE CB (Divisional Police Commissioner for the North of Ireland), General Boyd, Captain S D Graham (Royal Field Artillery from Headquarters 1st Division, Belfast), Captain K B Harbond, Lieutenant G A McSwiney MC and Lieutenant R M Carr representing the 33rd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery in which Osbert had served. Major Robertson (Military Secretary) represented the Commander in Chief of the Forces in Ireland. As well as this, District Inspector Lenthall and a detachment of the Dublin Military Police, under the Chief Commissioner Colonel Edgeworth Johnstone attended. There was also a strong representation of the Royal Irish Constabulary headed by Commissioner Price and under District Inspectors Sidley and Miller. District Inspector Major C Leslie Roberts MC was in charge of the local Police and Colonel Harrison and Captain Walsh represented the Comrades of the Great War.

The route to the cemetery was lined with thousands of sympathisers, many of whom were unable to hide their grief. The Band of the Wiltshire and Worcestershire Regiments played the 'Death March' from Handel's oratorio 'Saul.' Troops formed a guard of honour from the gates of the cemetery to the graveside where the Rev Charles T P Grierson BD, Lord Bishop of Down, Connor and Dromore and the Rev D H Hanson from Larne, Chaplain to the Forces, conducted the final service. Three volleys of shots were fired over the grave and the 'Last Post' sounded.

Amongst the many wreaths was one that bore the touching inscription: "From a soldier to another, in loving memory of a gallant soldier."

William Haughton Smyth, was the eldest son of John (Jnr) and Anna Florence Haughton Smyth. He was born on 2nd June 1879 in Milltown House and baptised on 25* June 1879. He was named after his grandfather William Haughton of Roebuck, County Dublin.

He was educated at Campbell College, Belfast (September 1894 to July 1896, register number 183), before going on to Oxford and Cambridge universities.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Non-Subscribing Church, Banbridge, serving as Treasurer of the church funds, as well as being Manager of the Dunbar Memorial National School.

He served as a Managing Director of the family firm 'Wm Smyth & Co Ltd', Lenaderg.

William was a keen golfer and was heavily involved in the formation of Banbridge Golf Club, taking responsibility for the laying out of the links. He was Secretary of the Club prior to the First World War.

When War broke out he applied to the Royal Irish Rifles and received a commission in the 13th Battalion, serving as temporary Captain in 'C' Company. Samuel George Fenton, Director of 'F W Hayes', Seapatrick was the Referee on his enlistment form, which was dated 28th September 1914. His military records interestingly state that he was not able to ride a horse, this being a rare occurrence for a member of the Smyth family. He was based at Clandeboye Camp in the Down Officers' Mess at Bangor.

He was promoted to Lieutenant on 21st September 1914 and to Captain on 17th May 1915. Like so many others of his generation, he was killed in action on 1st July 1916 aged 37 years. Tragically he has no known grave, but is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial (Pier 15a and Face 15b). His name is also recorded on Banbridge Golf Club's Roll of Honour and on the Roll of Honour at Royal County

Down Golf Club. Banbridge Golf Club also dedicated the Haughton Smyth Memorial Cup in his honour. Along with his younger brother, Haughton is recorded in 'The Great War, A Tribute To Ulster Heroes 1914-1918', printed in 1919. His name is recorded on the family headstone in the First Presbyterian Non-Subscribing Church graveyard, Banbridge. He is also recorded on their Roll of Honour and on a memorial plaque within the church which reads as follows:

DULCE ET DECORUM EST PRO PATRIA MORI
SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF
CAPTAIN W HAUGHTON SMYTH
13th ROYAL IRISH RIFLES.
WHO FELL IN ACTION AT THIEPVAL IN THE BATTLE OF THE SOMME
1st JULY 1916.
ELDER SON OF THE LATE JOHN SMYTH MA
MILLTOWN HOUSE, BANBRIDGE.
THIS TABLET IS ERECTED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE CONGREGATION
AS A TOKEN OF THEIR LOVE AND ESTEEM
FOR A GALLANT SOLDIER AND STAUNCH FRIEND.

On 24th October 1929 a letter was sent to the War Office from the First Presbyterian Non-Subscribing Church, Banbridge asking for a copy of his death certificate as they were electing new Trustees of the church funds.

Pierson Florence John Smyth was born on 30th November 1880 at Milltown House, the youngest son of John (Jnr) and Anna Florence Haughton Smyth.

He was educated, like his cousins Osbert and Douglas and his brother William Haughton, at Campbell College, Belfast (1894 to July 1896, register number 184). He then went to Giggleswick in Yorkshire.

With the intention of becoming an Engineer like his father, he attended Glasgow University where he studied Science until a change of mind saw him enter the Army in 1902. As such, he joined the Donegal Artillery Militia as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was posted on 25th April 1902 to the Royal Garrison Artillery Militia where it is possible he served with the Donegal Royal Field (Reserve) Artillery. On 4th June 1902 the Regiment proceeded to a camp at Buncrana, County Donegal for 41 days' training. On 21st May 1903, a further 27 days' training took place. Two years later, on 20th May 1904, he was promoted to Lieutenant.

In December 1904 he transferred to the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles, then stationed at Meerut, North West Province, India. The Regiment then transferred to Maymyo, Burma and finally to Kamptee, Central Province, India where on 29th January 1913, after an operation for a liver infection, he died aged 32 years. His grave is in Kamptee Cemetery, although his name is recorded on the family headstone in the First Presbyterian Non-Subscribing graveyard, Banbridge.

George Bostall Jenkinson Smyth was born on 23rd July 1890 at Milltown House, the second son of James Davis and Charlotte Anna Smyth. He was named after his grandfather George Bostall Jenkinson, an American from Newark, New Jersey.

He was educated at Portora Royal School, Enniskillen (1903 to 1908) and Trinity College Dublin, where he was a member of the Dublin Universities Officers' Training Corps, having the rank of Cadet.

George studied for the Bar and was admitted as a student of King's Inns in the Michaelmas term of 1909, graduating from Trinity College Dublin in 1913. In legal circles he was known as 'Hellfire Smyth' the reasons to justify him being given this nickname, in a career that was cut so short, is unknown. Like those before him, he felt it was his duty to fight in the Great War and enlisted in the Army in August 1914, his enlistment papers stating that he was 5ft Sins tall, weighed 10 stone, had chest measurements of 34ins minimum and 36!/2ins maximum and was able to ride a horse. Upon the outbreak of War he joined the 5th Royal Irish Rifles and was sent to Palace Barracks, Hollywood.

Whilst serving as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 6th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles at Anzac on the Gallipoli Peninsula on 9th August 1915 he was severely wounded. His ankle was badly smashed by a bullet and his right leg was hit six times, 4ins above his ankle having a considerable area stripped of skin. As a result he was laid up until the spring of 1916 and was considered unfit for service until 24th July 1916. He left Alexandria, Egypt on 2 October 1915 onboard the ship 'Letitia', bound for England. He was promoted to Acting Captain on 31st August 1917 and on 18th December he left Rouen for Southampton, arriving on the 19th and was conveyed to the 3rd Southern General Hospital in Oxford. On the same day he was transferred to the Sommerville Hospital suffering from bronchitis. It was stated on his forms that he was suffering from trench fever, but it was later stated that this was an incorrect record. He was discharged fit for home service on 12th January 1918 and given three weeks' sick leave, before returning to active service in France where he was killed in action near Courtrai on 22nd October 1918 aged 28 years, three weeks before the end of the War.

After the armistice his body was exhumed from its battlefield resting place in a scheme that saw thousands of bodies taken from isolated graves and German cemeteries and re-buried in larger cemeteries. George's body was laid in its final resting place in Harlebeke New British Cemetery, leper, Belgium (Plot vii, Row b, Grave 17). This cemetery records 1,024 British graves and a further 57 various Commonwealth War Graves, inclusive of graves of unknown soldiers.

I was given on loan a letter with regard to George, dated 18th November 1918 and sent by the Rev W H Hutchinson, Reserve Chaplain of the Forces who belonged to the 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles. It was a letter sent in reply to one that George's mother had posted to the Battalion seeking knowledge of her son. The Minister said that he was sending her letter on to Colonel Becher, Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion. Part of the letter reads as follows:

"I regret very much that you have not received any letter from a 2nd Battalion Officer. I knew your son only by name, some Officers of my Battalion spoke of him occasionally and always with deep respect and admiration. He was killed beyond Desselghem, Belgium; we were advancing rapidly at the time, scrapping all the time and frequently under what the Corps Commander describes as the heaviest machine gun fire of the War. Your son was more than likely killed in this advance - his body recovered, in all probability, by a party of men specially assigned to clear the battlefield after such heavy fighting."

The Rev Hutchinson stated that he had visited families back home, many times bringing the first news of their son's deaths. It must have been a terrible trauma even for a Minister, as he stated: "I don't ever wish to do it again." He said also that "those who fell here suffered comparatively little to those at home." According to the Rev Hutchinson, George had a reputation second to none, both as a friend and as a soldier.

He is commemorated on the War Memorial plaque inside the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast, the Four Courts in Dublin, Trinity College Dublin's Roll of Honour and the memorial at Portora Royal School. A bronze and marble plaque bearing the emblem of the Royal Irish Rifles was erected in Seapatrick Parish Church on 4* May 1924 by his brother and sisters. It was designed by J E Emerson, Banbridge and was unveiled by George's sister Miss Ruth Smyth, in the company of the family. The Rector, the Rev Canon W S Kerr BD, dedicated the memorial and was assisted by the Rev B Northridge. It reads as follows:

TO THE GLORY OF GOD
AND IN LOVING MEMORY OF
GEORGE B J SMYTH, BL
CAPTAIN ROYAL IRISH RIFLES
YOUNGER SON OF
JAMES D SMYTH, MILLTOWN HOUSE
KILLED IN ACTION AT HARLEBEKE
22nd OCTOBER 1918, AGED 28 YEARS.

George's name is recorded on the family headstone in the Municipal Cemetery and is also mentioned in the book 'The Great War, A Tribute to Ulster Heroes 1914-1918.'

Robertson Stewart Smyth, better known within the family as Robbie, was born on 18th August 1879 at 'Seaview' in Warrenpoint (possibly their holiday home), the second son of William and Jane Rob;»son Smyth. He was educated at Dungannon Royal School and he then entered Trinity College Dublin where he received a Doctorate in Medicine. He afterwards became House Surgeon on the resident staff of Sir Patrick Dun's Hospital, Dublin.

Robbie was a talented rugby player. He was a member of Dublin University's 2nd XV when they won the Junior League in the 1898/1899 season and was part of the Ireland team that played Scotland at the Scottish Rugby Union ground at Inverleith, Ferry Road, Edinburgh on 28th February 1903.

He joined the Royal Army Medical Corp on the completion of his studies in 1905, was commissioned as a Lieutenant on 31st July 1905 and promoted to Captain on 31st January 1909. Robbie served in India from 1907-1912.

On his return from India, he was one of a group of three local men who, on 18th September 1913, welcomed and led Sir Edward Carson into Banbridge.

Upon, the outbreak of War in 1914, he followed the British Expeditionary Force to France, where it is stated that he served with "rare devotion". He was mentioned in Dispatches by Field Marshal Sir John French, Supreme Commander of the British Expeditionary Force and later Viceroy of Ireland, for "gallant and distinguished service in the field."

Like his kinsmen, Robbie rose rapidly through the ranks and was promoted to Major on 2nd December
1915, continuing in active service until later that month when he was invalided as the result of gas poisoning. He returned to active service and was again invalided due to gas poisoning on 1st January 1916. after which he was then sent to a nursing home in London where he relinquished his commission on 22nd February of that year. He died at 20 Endsleigh Gardens, London on 5th April 1916 aged 36 years, his body being brought home and buried in Banbridge Municipal Cemetery.

Edmund Fitzgerald Smyth was born on 21st August 1886 at Brookfield House, the third son of William and Jane Robinson Smyth. He was named after his mother's brother, Edmund Fitzgerald Bannatyne Wilson. Edmund, better known as Teddy, was educated at St Columba's, Dublin.

He was a keen hockey player and served as Captain of Banbridge Hockey XIs as well as Captaining the Irish International side in 1912. He was also a member of Banbridge Rugby Club and was a member of the team that brought the all-Ireland Senior Cup home to Ulster in 1907, the first team ever to do so. In 1911 and 1912 he played for Ireland and was capped four times. To add further to his sporting prowess he was a member of Banbridge Golf Club and was a Trustee in 1915, 1916 and 1917.

He was the owner and Managing Director of 'Lisburn Weaving Co.' This factory (also known as the "wee factory') was situated in Young Street, Lisburn.

When the First World War broke out, Teddy enlisted in the Army on 23rd September 1914. Captain James Craig MP JP (later to become the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland) gave his certificate of moral character. He enlisted in the 11th Battalion. Royal Irish Rifles (South Antrim Volunteers), being commissioned as a Captain. For a period of time he was stationed at the Clandeboye camp.

Like his kinsmen, Teddy proved to be a very able soldier whose main concern was for his comrades. Indeed, on 27th May 1916 an article in the 'Banbridge Chronicle' stated that Teddy had written to Henry and Elizabeth Corkin of Lisburn, to inform them personally of the death of their son, stating that he had tragically drowned whilst swimming in a marsh in France. They had two sons killed during the War.

Teddy himself was wounded on 1st July 1916, with a gunshot wound to the knee. He left his unit on 9th July 1916 and was on sick leave from 13th July to 17* August, disembarking from Rouen to Southampton aboard the ship 'St Andrew.' When he arrived in England, he was admitted to the 5th London Hospital and was viewed by the Medical Board of the Seymour Ward at St Thomas's Hospital, which declared him unfit for service for two months during which time he had abdominal discomfort and indigestion. His leave was extended from 10th October until 19th November 1916 (while on leave he took time to visit Banbridge in September). The Medical Board in Belfast viewed him on 21st November 1916 and declared him fit for service. When he returned to active service he was transferred to the 18th RTR (the 18th was formed as a Reserve Battalion).

He was later transferred to the 13th Royal Irish Rifles with whom he was killed in action on 3rd December 1917 at Marcoing, West Cambrai, aged 31 years. Teddy was buried 2,000 yards south of Marcoing. On 26th January 1920 his body was exhumed and re-interred in Fifteen Ravine British Cemetery, Villers, Plouich (Row 2c, Grave 6).

His medals went to Jessie Bannatyne Smyth. His personal effects were as follows:

1          signet ring
1          wristwatch with cover
1          silver knife
1          identity disc, charm and ring
2          collar pins
1          box containing morphine
1          prism compass in case
1          pair of binoculars and two slings
1          tobacco pouch
1          cigarette case
2          note books
2          thermometers, one broken
1          pocket wallet
            letters
1          cheque book
1          small notebook
1          advance book
1          Orange sash LOL 63 (LOL 63 is based in Lurgan, though it is unknown if he was a member)
15         centimes (French currency)

A plaque was erected in Scarva Street Presbyterian Church, Banbridge which reads as follows:

IN PROUD AND AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF
MAJOR EDMUND FITZGERALD SMYTH MC
11th BATTALION, ROYAL IRISH RIFLES
BORN 21st AUGUST 1886
KILLED IN ACTION AT MARCOING, FRANCE
3rd DECEMBER 1917.
THIS TABLET IS ERECTED BY A FEW OF
HIS BROTHER OFFICERS.

His name is recorded on Banbridge Golf Club's Roll of Honour and also on the Roll of Honour at Royal County Down Golf Club, Newcastle.

Jane Robinson Smyth (nee Wilson) was the second wife of William Smyth of Brookfield House. During the First World War she was a member of the County Down Nursing Fund and the County Down Local War Pensions' Committee, being awarded the MBE for her work in this field. She was President of the Nursing Society from 1918-1928.

Jessie Bannatyne Morrison (nee Smyth) was the youngest daughter of William and Jane Robinson Smyth. She was born on 28th December 1882 and named Bannatyne after her uncle. During the First World War she worked with great devotion towards the War effort, showing great concern for soldiers' welfare. In June 1917, in the presence of 30 to 40 wounded and discharged soldiers and some serving soldiers, dressed in khaki she opened the Banbridge Soldiers' and Sailors' Club. This seems to have been situated within the Old Town Hall. All present were entertained by the General Committee to a bean feast prepared by Mrs Hagan and served in the Boardroom, after which the guests retired to the Clubroom. Jessie then stated that she was greatly honoured in being asked to open the Soldiers' and Sailors' Club and that she had been longing for such a place to be opened for the last year or two. She said that she knew of 689 men who went from Banbridge and 68 from Loughbrickland to the battlefield. At this time there were 40 discharged men, a good nucleus with which to start a Club. She then declared the Club opened. Private McCreedy presented her with a bouquet of flowers and Sergeant Elliott thanked her on behalf of his colleagues. A musical evening followed the presentation. The Club was open from 10am to 10pm, Monday to Saturday, the rules stating that no drinking or gambling was to take place and that no civilians were to be admitted. Various local people provided furniture, literature, games, etc for the club, the list of contributors including Mrs Smyth (Brookfield House), Mrs W A Smyth (Belmont House), Mrs J D Smyth (Milltown House) and Mrs D W Smyth.

On the occasion of her marriage to Jimmy Morrison, David McCreedy, on behalf of the Ex-Servicemen of Banbridge, presented her with an Irish silver potato ring. Jessie's name is recorded on Banbridge's Roll of Honour in the Civic Building.

Edmund Fitzgerald Smyth was named after his uncle Edmund, and like him was better known as Teddy. Edmund was born on 24th March 1919, the second son of Wilson and Vera Gordon Smyth. During the Second World War he served with the Royal Navy as a Temporary Lieutenant. In April 1943, aged 25 years, he was serving in the Mediterranean when he was mentioned in Dispatches for an action off the coast of Tunisia and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

Moira Smyth was born on 14th May 1914, the eldest daughter of Wilson and Vera Gordon Smyth. During the Second World War she was a Junior Commandant in the Auxiliary Territorial Service in Northern Ireland, both she and Daisy Ferguson being the charge-hands.

Katherine Ethel Smyth was the eldest daughter of William Anderson (Jumbo) and Katherine Ida Smyth, and the wife of James Douglas Smyth. During the Second World War she served as an Ambulance Driver in London and was also a leader in charge of a YMC A canteen. While in Banbridge she completed a course of Anti-Gas training in May 1939, under the auspices of the 'Banbridge Air Raids Precautions Group Committee.' She also served as an Ambulance Driver in the British Volunteer Ambulance Corps in the south of England.

Major Dr Robertson Stewart Smyth and Lieutenant Pierson Florence John Smyth

Captain George Bostall Jenkinson Smyth BL and Celtic Cross in Banbridge Municipal Cemetery

Medals of Major George Osbert Stirling Smyth

Major Edmund Fitzgerald Smyth MC and Captain William Haughton Smyth

Major George Osbert Stirling Smyth DSO, MC and Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Brice Ferguson Smyth DSO & Bar

Medals of Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Brice Ferguson Smyth DSO & Bar