Roll of Honour

2nd Lieutenant

Robert Wright Smith

MA BD

Robert Wright Smith was born on the 3rd May 1890 at 165 Bellfield Street, Dennistoun, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, the eldest son of David Smith, formerly an Engineer's Pattern Maker and the a Builder, and Agnes Thomson Smith (nee Wanchope), who had married on the 27th June 1889 in Glasgow.

Memorial chapel at the University of Glasgow
The Memorial Chapel at the University of Glasgow

Robert matriculated at the University of Glasgow in 1909 to read for an Arts degree. He studied Latin, Greek, Moral philosophy, Political economy, Mathematics and English and he graduated MA on the 16th November 1912. Robert then continued his studies reading for a degree in Divinity (BD) which he obtained on the 25th April 1916 in absentia.

For a short period of time after graduating Robert was an assistant to his Uncle, the Reverend Dr John Smith of Partick parish where ‘he was highly appreciated’. However Robert then enlisted and served with the 6th Bn. Highland Light Infantry. 2nd Lieutenant Robert Wright Smith was killed by the splinter of a shell, aged 26, in France and is buried at Auchonvillers Cemetery.

In a letter to his parents his Adjutant commented “We shall miss him tremendously. In addition to his ordinary work, which he carried out keenly, bravely and efficiently, we had the great privilege of his spiritual guidance on several occasions when we had no chaplain”.

Comments and Citations

University of Glasgow Faculty and Registry records (GUAS Ref: R1/2/1, R3/1/1, R4/1/6, R8/5/30/7 and SEN10/54-57).

Biographical information: contributed by John Houston, external source.

Burial Place: