EARLY LIFE

Born

At the time of the 1891 Census the family were living at 22, Ingledew Road, Plumstead.

His parents were Henry Smith (1850-?), who at the time was Machinist at the Royal Arsenal and Ann Smith nee French. (1852-?)

Had 4 brothers and 3 sisters according to the 1891 Census, Dick was the youngest of the eight children.

His family later moved to 31, High Street, Plumstead according to the 1901 census, but Dick didn't appear to be living with them, so may have already joined the Army, despite being just 15 at the time. Served in the Boer War at the age of 16.

AMATEUR CAREER

His long ring career began with his winning a novices' competition at the Belsize Club in 1911.

While serving in the Army it is said he won services boxing championships and later after joining the Metropolitan Police he also won multiple police boxing titles.

Smith won back-to-back A.B.A. heavyweight titles in 1912, beating P.L. Foote (London Hospital) and 1913, walkover as H. Johnson also of th e Metropolitan police retired on doctors orders.

PROFESSIONAL CAREER

Professional debut in January 1914, against Dennis Haugh for the British light-heavyweight title?. Two months later he fought Haugh again, this time winning on points over 20 rounds to claim the British light-heavyweight title. At this time Smith was also serving in the Army as a P/T instructor.

Thought the great French boxer George Carpentier in 1919, Smith said he was the best he ever fought, and met all the renowned fighters of the time including George Cook, Frank Goddard and Bombardier Billy Wells, who he beat twice.

Was 38 when he was knocked out by Joe Beckett 1923 in their British heavyweight title fight and had one more fight losing to Jack Bloomfield at the Royal Albert Hall and he retired shortly after.

LIFE AFTER BOXING

Became a licensee around the Woolwich area, and was licensee at the Standard in Warren Lane, Woolwich, the Duke of Gloucester in Old Kent Road and the Princes Hotel in Dartford which he took over in 1941.

PERSONAL LIFE

Married to Emma

DEATH

Died Sunday 8th January 1950 in his sleep at Prince Hotel, Dartford where he was the licensee. His funeral took place at Dartford Parish Church on Friday 13th January 1950.

LEGACY

Outright holder of the Lonsdale Belt, won in 1918 when he beat Joe Beckett, which he proudly displayed in the pubs that he was licensee in.