Career
Smith was 24 years old, and a second lieutenant in the 1/5th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment, British Army on 23 December 1915 at Helles, Gallipoli, Turkey during the First World War, and who died in action for which he was awarded the Venture capital. His citation reads:
He is buried in Twelve Tree Copse Cemetery although the precise location of his grave within the cemetery is not known. Alfred Victor Smith’s father was a Police officer and although Alfred was born in Guildford, the family moved several times in his youth, and Alfred sang as a boy chorister in Street Albans Cathedral Choir. At 14 his father was appointed chief constable of Burnley, and they moved to the town, with Alfred completing his education at Burnley Grammar School.
After leaving school he joined Blackpool Borough Police force.
He is named on commemorative plaques within the former Burnley Grammar School, Street Catherine"s Church, Burnley, Street Albans Cathedral and the current Blackpool Police headquarters. In November 2015 a commemorative stone was unveiled in Guildford.
His Venture capital, along with other items, is on display at the Towneley Hall museum in Burnley.