Edmund Hakewill-Smith

Major-General Sir Edmund Hakewill Smith (1896-1986)

Hakewill Smith was a South African-born British General. Born in Kimberley, South Africa, on the 17 March 1896, he was educated at the Diocesan College ("Bishops") in Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa and at the RMC Sandhurst.Hakewill Smith was commissioned in to the Royal Scots Fusiliers on the 16 June 1915 and served in France and Belgium, incurring two wounds and also being awarded the Military Cross (MC). After serving with the British Military Mission to South Russia,he also acted as Aide-de-Camp to Lawrence John Lumley Dundas, 2nd Marquess of Zetland (Governor of Bengal,India). Hakewill-Smith initially served as officer-commanding the 5th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, during the early days of World War II, as well as officer-commanding the 4/5th Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers, with the rank of temporary lieutenant-colonel. Promoted temporary brigadier, he then commanded the 157th and 155th Infantry Brigades, before taking over command of the 52nd British (Lowland)Division, with the rank of acting major-general. Hakewill-Smith commanded the 52nd Division during campaign in North-West Europe, including the battle of Walcheren in October 1944. He was awarded the CB (1944), CBE (1945) and later commanded the Lowland District in Scotland, and also served as the Honorary Colonel of the Royal Scots Fusiliers (1946-1957). In addition,Hakewill-Smith served at Windsor Castle as a Military Knight of Windsor, later being appointed Lieutenant Governor of the castle (1964-1972) and was created a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian order (KCVO) in 1967.Major-General Sir Edmund Hakewill-Smith died on the 15 April 1986.