More about James Ogilvie Smith

For reasons unknown this man is not listed on the original Dundee Roll of Honour. James was the brother of Signalman Peter Ogilvie Smith, Clyde Z/8821, S.S. Larchgrove, who was lost at sea when his ship collided with the S.S. Hawaiian 27.10.1918.

A Father’s Sore Loss.

The photo is of Signaller Jas. O. Smith, R.F.A., only son of Mr James Smith, joiner, 174 Blackness Road, who received intimation of his death on the day hostilities ceased.

Dundee Courier 12^th November 1918

Sad indeed is the lot of Mr James Smith, joiner, 174 Blackness Road, Dundee, who yesterday received intimation of the death of his two sons— the only members of his family– Signaller James Ogilvie Smith, R.F.A., and Signaller Peter Ogilvie Smith, R.N.  It is only a few weeks since Mr Smith was bereaved of his wife after a few hours’ illness.

Signaller J. O. Smith, who enlisted in January, 1916, served for about a year in France before he was invalided home.  He was seriously ill for a considerable time, but made an excellent recovery, and after a spell at a convalescent camp was drafted to the South of England, where unfortunately he was seized with influenza some days ago.  Pneumonia supervened and caused his death.  Signaller Smith entered the “Courier” Office as a boy, and when he enlisted he was a member of the reporting staff.  He was highly respected by his colleagues, and was of a particularly genial and optimistic disposition. A fine singer, he was a member of the choir of St David’s Parish Church.

Dundee Courier 13^th November 1918