David Francis Smith was born at Dandenong, Victoria on 22 May 1908 to David Smith and his wife Mary Jane “Minnie” (née Linane). He was known as “Frank” and had one younger sister, Mary Margaret. At some point, David Francis Smith moved to Queenscliff, Victoria and worked on Victorian railways.

On 4 July 1928, Smith enlisted in the Royal Australian Engineers as part of the Citizen Military Forces. He initially joined the garrison of the Fort Queenscliff barracks, worked as an artificer and soldier, and was promoted to corporal in 1931. Smith then served at Thursday Island and Darwin, eventually being promoted to sergeant and posted back to Queenscliff. In 1935, Smith married Estella Irene Watts.

Smith enlisted in the Second Imperial Force at Caulfield, Victoria on 1 July 1940 as a warrant officer, class 2. He was assigned to the 8 Australian Division Signals and served in Malaya. However, he was captured as a Japanese prisoner of war in early 1942. David Francis Smith died of malaria and malnutrition at Thailand or Burma on 25 August 1943. He was 35 years old. He is now buried at Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery, Myanmar.