ELC1073 - The light cavalry officer's sword of Alfred Smirke (numbered 16346, proved 14 July 1869). The Wilkinson proof book entry shows that the sword was sold to Trooper T. Lambert for A. Smirke, Esq.
Alfred Smirke was born 5 May 1848 and was the youngest son of Sydney and Isabella Smirke. His father, Sydney, is a well-known architect and designed the round reading room in the British Museum and the cupola of Bethlehem Hospital (now the Imperial War Museum). Sydney's brother (Alfred's uncle) was Sir Robert Smirke, designer of Eastnor Castle and the British Museum. His father's success undoubtedly resulted in an invitation to the Royal Levee of 1875 at which he was presented to the Queen.
Alfred Smirke commenced his military career on 11 June 1869, when he purchased his commission as a cornet in the 1st Dragoons, but following day he transferred to the 15th Hussars! On 14 November 1869 the 15th Hussars embarked for India, where Smirke would spend most of his career. The 15th Hussars spent the balance of the 1870s moving from place to place throughout India; Mhow, Meerut, and Mooltan. Smirke was promoted Lieutenant on 1 November 1871 and Captain on 2 March 1878, and within months saw his first active service in the 2nd Anglo-Afghan War.
Hart's List records:
"Captain Smirke and Lieut. the Hon. A. Manners served with the 15th Hussars in the Candahar Column in the Afghan war of 1878-79, including the advance to Khelat-i-Ghilzai, and were present at the affair in the Ghlo Pass (Medal)."
According to Shadbolt:
"Captain A. Smirke served with the regiment in the Quetta and Kandahar Field Forces, in the first campaign, taking part in the advance on and occupation of Kandahar and Kalat-i-Ghilzai, and being present at the affair in the Ghlo Pass."
The 15th Hussars were on passage home in 1880 (Smirke was granted leave to England in August to attend to private matters) but a portion of the regiment were diverted to South Africa to serve in the 1st Anglo-Boer War. Hart's List makes no mention of service in South Africa and The Light Dragoons Museum is not able to find anything about his service after Afghanistan so we must assume he did not serve in South Africa. Interestingly, The Morning Post dated Monday January 10 1881 states that Captain Smirke (along with Captain Bullen) embarked for the Cape aboard the steam ship "Queen". Captain John Bullen Symes-Bullen served in the 1st Anglo-Boer War, so Smirke must not have been engaged in any active campaigning or his service in South Africa was overlooked by Hart's. Smirke retired in March 1882, receiving a gratuity from the 15th Hussars. This, combined with the publication schedule of the annual army list may account for the potential omission of service information.
Smirke, after retiring from the Army, enjoyed an active social life. His name appears amongst numerous attendee lists for balls and sporting events. He married Sarah Jane Adams in October 1887. During the years 1891-92 Smirke circumnavigated the globe aboard the steam yacht "St. George", a ship of the Royal Yacht Squadron. Alfred Smirke died in 1919 and is buried with his wife in Richmond Cemetery in the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames.
The extensively sharpened blade, with various small nicks and signs of use, listed as "medium cavalry" size¸ measures 34 1/2" long and 1 1/8" wide at the ricasso. The grip has lost some of its fish skin wrap but retains all of its silver wire. The scabbard is also dark with age and has several dents and has a slight bend. The wood lining is still present but has deteriorated. Overall, a well used service sword carried in war, with a fantastic history.
