Gerald Howard-Smith was born in London on 21 Jan 1880.

He attended Eton then went on to Trinity College Cambridge. He was a keen cricketer and appeared 21 times for Cambridge University adn the MCC. He also played footbal and was an excellent high jumper.

Gerald followed in his father's footsteps and studied law, joining the firm of Underhill, Thorneycroft & Smith and Neve and Co, Wolverhampton.

In September 1914 he received a commission into the South Staffordshire Regiment and went to the front in March 1915 where he became the regiment's bombing officer. He was known as The Anchist due to his leftwing views but was also known for his good humour. He was mentioned in despataches 3 times and awarded the Military Cross. He was wounded 3 times and finally died of wounds.

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