Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War Memorial Plaque to Lieutenant F. B. Smith, Royal Air Force, who won an M.C. in the Royal Naval Division prior to his transfer to the R.F.C. and death in a flying accident in May 1918

Memorial Plaque 1914-18 (Francis Beacroft Smith), good very fine £100-150

Francis Beacroft Smith was awarded the M.C. for services as a Sub. Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Division, ‘For conspicuous gallantry during an attack, when leading his men. Although shot three times, he continued, with great dash and determination, to advance, bayoneting three of the enemy, and refusing to retire until ordered to do so' (London Gazette 18 July 1917 refers).

Smith subsequently transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and died in a flying accident at No. 207 T.D.S. on 28 May 1918, aged 24 years. He was the son of Mr. G. B. Smith of Cardonald, Glasgow, and is buried in the City of London Cemetery, Manor Park, Essex.