Private James Smyth

 

Smyth with his wife Victoria. He wears an 'old comrades' badge.

 

James Smyth (initially named Jabez Ruddock) was born on 5 February 1895 at 50 Island Street, Belfast, son of sailor (later sea captain) James Ruddock (or Smyth), and Dinah Ruddock (née McAdam). At the time of the 1911 Census he was living at 25 Charles Street South with his mother and aunt, and working as a clerk.

Smyth enlisted in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron at some point during the war (regimental number presently unknown). No record has been located to suggest that he served overseas. In the photograph above, however, he appears to be wearing a 1914-18 British War Medal ribbon, and perhaps a Victory Medal ribbon, indicating he had done so.

By 1921 Smyth was living at 37 Ulsterville Gardens, Belfast, and working as a despatch clerk. On 18 January that year he married Victoria Conway in the Church of Ireland's Christ Church, Belfast.

He later served in in the Royal Ulster Constabulary. In the image below, believed to be a station party at Crossmaglen around 1922-23, Smyth is in the middle row, fourth from  left.

For many year Smyth lived with his wife at 33 Monarch Street, Belfast, working as a motorman. He died on 17 April 1968 at Forster Green Hospital, Belfast, aged 73.

 

 

Another image of Smyth can be seen here.

 

Images kindly provided by Nigel Newell, James Smyth's grandson.

 

This page last updated 14 July 2023.