SMITH John Critchley

Sec. Lieut., R. N. R.
Born, June 1, 1887. Killed, January 4, 1918.
J. C. Smith was the eldest son of Mr. A W. Smith, of Pershore. He entered the School as a day boy from the Royal Grammar School in January, 1899, and left early in April, 1902, after 3 years only of School life. He always desired a sailor’s life, and after serving his apprenticeship he rapidly rose in the Mercantile Marine. In his 15 years of seafaring life he made may voyages to the West Indies, Costa Rica, New York, S. America and India. He obtained his Captains ticket three years since, and was recently married. Since the outbreak of war he has been engaged in the transport service, and was very popular with his fellow-officers. He was marvellously successful with his navigation, and had brought his boat safely through the Mediterranean at the end of last year, when he was killed by an accident at Port Said. He was one of those whom the Merchant Service can ill spare.
W. H. C.

Source for additional information: The Vigornian, March 1918, No.91, Vol. IX

(Second Officer) R.N.B. Eldest son of Arthur William Smith. Killed by an accident on Board his ship at Port Said January 4th 1918. Had his Captain’s ticket 5 years – too young to be made a Captain.

Additional information from Pershore Parish Records, Holy Cross, Film No 216/7, available at Worcestershire Archives.

The Upton on Severn News reported that Second Lieutenant Smith had been educated at Hanley Castle Grammar School and had been killed on board his ship where he had been engaged in the transport service.

A photograph of Second Officer J. Critchley Smith of Pershore can be found in Berrow’s Worcester Journal Supplement, Saturday 2nd March 1918, available at Worcestershire Archives.