Smith, Colonel Frederick, CB, CMG, DSO (1858-1933) RAMC

Two unpublished works, both fictional, or lightly fictionalised autobiography, by Colonel Smith. There are two versions - a rough draft, and a clean-typed version edited by Jean Overton Fuller - of a novel set in Sierra Leone, "The White Man's Grave" in 1898 (the year of the Sierra Leone Rising against the imposition of a hut tax following declaration of British Protectorate status), and an account of service as a medical officer in France in the early months of World War I.

early 20th century

3 files

These items were received from Jean Overton Fuller's executor, Timothy D'arch Smith, in August 2009

Accounts of Colonel Smith's career can be found in the Roll of Commissioned Officers in the Army Medical Service, vol 1, entry no 7291, and his obituary in the British Medical Journal. There is also a memoir by his grand-daughter appended to MS.8701/2. He had a long and active career - beginning by serving in the ranks of the Medical Corps, finally, and uniquely at that date, obtaining a commission upon his completion of a medical degree - produced numerous publications, including a history of the RAMC, and received high honours.

Colonel Fred Smith's scrap-book of diplomas, testimonials, photographs and other souvenirs, 1886-1918, may be found in the RAMC Muniment Collection, RAMC/404, with additional papers, 1889-1918, in RAMC/501, also a copy of his book Modern bullet wounds and modern treatment, with special regard to long bones and joints, field appliances and first aid (1903), RAMC/713.

These papers were in the possession of Colonel Smith's grand-daughter, Jean Overton Fuller