Brigadier General Clement Smith

James Quinn, former official war artist, was commissioned to paint the portrait of Brigadier General Clement Leslie Smith VC MC. This continued on from a series of portraits in 1918 and 1919 that acknowledged senior military leaders who had served with, or alongside the Australian Imperial Forces during the First World War.

Smith was gazetted to the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry from Volunteers in 1900, and served on staff in the South African War in 1901 and 1902. In 1904 he served in Somaliland and was present for the action at Jidballi, where he received the Victoria Cross. He was employed with the Egyptian Army in 1905 and served in the Sudan in 1910.

From the commencement of the First World War, Smith had the rank of Captain. From 14 November 1915 to 17 January 1916, Smith was employed with the Egyptian Army, and at this time received the Military Cross. He came Major of the Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry in January 1916, and in April of the same year was given a Brevet of Lieutenant-Colonel.

In December 1916, Smith was appointed to command the Imperial Camel Corps Brigade, which was made up of four battalions: Nos. 1 and 3 were composed of Australians; No.2 was composed of British troops; and No.4 was mixed Australian and New Zealand. Smith, although from the British Army himself, had a sizeable force of Australians under his command. On the disbandment of the Imperial Camel Corps, he was transferred to the 24th Infantry Brigade, 10th Division and in 1919, given the Brevet of Colonel.

See:
The V.C. and D.S.O: a complete record of all those officers, non-commissioned officers and men of his Majesty's Naval, Military and air forces who have been awarded these decorations from the time of their institution, with descriptions of the deeds and services which won [e distinctions and with many biographical and other details /] / edited by Sir O'Moore Creagh and E. M. Humphris.