Archibald Bisset Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Archibald Bisset Smith
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portrait published in the Auckland Weekly News on 12 April 1917
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| Born | 19 December 1878 Cults, Aberdeenshire |
| Died | 10 March 1917 (aged 38) Atlantic Ocean |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Naval Reserve Merchant Navy |
| Rank |
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| Unit | Royal Naval Reserve |
| Commands held | Otaki |
| Battles/wars | World War I
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| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Archibald Bisset Smith VC (born December 19, 1878 – died March 10, 1917) was a brave Scottish sailor. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for courage in battle. This special medal is given to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces.
Smith is one of only two people from the UK Merchant Navy to earn the Victoria Cross for their actions during World War I. The Merchant Navy is made up of civilian ships that carry goods and people.
Contents
Archibald Bisset Smith: A Wartime Hero
A Brave Stand at Sea
Archibald Bisset Smith was the captain of the cargo ship Otaki. This ship belonged to the New Zealand Shipping Company. On March 10, 1917, while sailing in the Atlantic Ocean, the Otaki spotted a German warship. This German ship was called SMS Möwe. The Otaki had one 4.7-inch gun for defense. The Möwe was much more powerful, with four larger guns and torpedo launchers.
The German ship ordered the Otaki to stop. But Captain Smith bravely refused to surrender. A fierce battle began between the two ships. The Otaki managed to hit the Möwe several times, causing a lot of damage and even starting a fire on the German ship. However, the Otaki also took many hits. It was badly damaged and caught fire.
Captain Smith knew his ship was sinking. He ordered his crew to get into the lifeboats and leave the ship. But he himself chose to stay on board. He went down with his ship, showing incredible courage and devotion to his duty. The British flag was still flying on the Otaki as it sank. An enemy account later described this battle as "a duel as gallant as naval history can relate."
The Victoria Cross Award
Because of his amazing bravery, Archibald Bisset Smith was awarded the Victoria Cross. At first, as a Merchant Navy officer, he couldn't receive the VC. But in 1919, after his death, he was made a temporary lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve. This special honor meant he could officially receive the Victoria Cross.
Since Captain Smith was lost at sea and has no known grave, his name is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial in London. On March 10, 2017, a special memorial stone was placed in Aberdeen, Scotland. This marked 100 years since his heroic action.
His Victoria Cross medal is kept safe at the P&O Heritage Collection in London.
His Early Life and Family
Archibald Bisset Smith was born on December 19, 1878, in a place called Cults in Scotland. He was one of five children. His father, William Smith, was an accountant and merchant. His mother was Annie Smith.
Archibald went to school at Robert Gordon's College. In 1895, he joined the Merchant Navy. He worked hard and earned his "Master's ticket" in 1903. This meant he could command a ship. He served on several ships for the New Zealand Shipping Company, including the Waikato and Turakina.
Before World War I started, Smith married Edith Clulee. He had met her in New Zealand. Edith had a son named Alfred from a previous marriage. Alfred later took Archibald's last name.
Remembering a Hero
In November 1917, Captain Smith was recognized for his bravery after his death. After the war ended, more details about the battle became known. The captain of the German ship Möwe, Nikolaus zu Dohna-Schlodien, praised the Otaki's resistance. He called it "a duel as gallant as naval history can relate." In May 1919, Archibald Smith was officially awarded the Victoria Cross.
King George V himself presented Smith's Victoria Cross to his wife, Edith, and his stepson, Alfred. This happened at Buckingham Palace. After Edith passed away in 1951, Alfred sold the VC and Archibald's other medals. He sold them to the New Zealand Shipping Company for £125.
In 1937, Captain Smith's family gave the Otaki Shield to Robert Gordon's College. This shield is now an annual award. It is given to the senior boy who shows great character, leadership, and athletic skill. The winner also gets a special prize: a six-week trip to New Zealand. There, they visit different schools as a "roving ambassador" for their college.
