Frank Ewart Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frank Ewart Smith
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| Born | 31 May 1897 Loughton, Essex, UK
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| Died | 14 June 1995 |
| Alma mater | Sidney Sussex, Cambridge |
| Known for | PIAT |
| Awards | John Wimbolt Prize, FRS |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Metallurgical Engineering Military Science |
| Institutions | University of Cambridge, Fort Halstead |
| Influences | Prof. H.E. Armstrong |
Sir Frank Ewart Smith (born May 31, 1897 – died June 14, 1995) was a brilliant scientist and leader. He was known for his work in military science and later became a top director at a major company called Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI). Many people simply called him Sir Ewart Smith.
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Frank Ewart Smith's Early Life
Frank Ewart Smith was born in Loughton, England, but he grew up in Hastings. From a young age, he showed great promise in his studies. When he was just nine, he attended Uckfield Grammar School. At twelve, he won a special scholarship to Christ's Hospital, a famous school.
In 1915, he earned another scholarship to Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge. He planned to study Natural Sciences there. However, his university studies were put on hold. He joined the Royal Artillery during the First World War and bravely served in battles like Messines and Ypres. After the war, in 1919, he finally went to Cambridge. He quickly earned a top degree in Mechanical Engineering. He then continued his studies, focusing on how iron changes its form. For this important research, he received the John Wimbolt Prize.
World War II Contributions
By 1931, Ewart Smith was a Technical Director at ICI's chemical factory in Billingham. As World War II approached, ICI prepared to make fuel and explosives, and Ewart Smith played a key role in this effort.
During the war, he served the government as the Chief Engineer and Superintendent of Armament Design (CEAD) at Fort Halstead. Here, he helped design the PIAT, a special weapon used to pierce armor. The PIAT was Britain's answer to the American Bazooka and was used until the 1950s.
His experience in military science also helped him understand secret reports. In 1943, he correctly predicted that Germany would develop and use long-range rockets. Luckily, he had the attention of Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Because of his warning, Allied forces were able to target the German V-2 rocket launch sites.
Business Career and Retirement
After the war, Ewart Smith continued his successful career. In 1959, he retired from ICI, where he had risen to the position of Deputy Chairman.
The Beeching Cuts and Railways
During his time as CEAD, Ewart Smith hired a talented young scientist named Richard Beeching. After the war, Beeching continued to work for Ewart Smith at ICI. Later, when Ewart Smith was asked to join a committee to fix the financial problems of British Transport, he suggested Beeching for the job. Ewart Smith knew Beeching was excellent at solving difficult problems. Beeching later became famous for recommending the closure of many railway stations across Britain, which became known as the "Beeching cuts."
Awards and Recognition
For his important contributions to science and engineering, Frank Ewart Smith was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) in 1957. This is a very high honor for scientists in the United Kingdom.
