Rev. George Smith

Subject: Rev. George Smith Thu Apr 16, 2020 5:59 pm

Can anyone point me in the direction of a photograph of The Reverend George Smith prior to him joining the Army Chaplains Department? Or a photograph of him not wearing his forage cap?

JY

Subject: Re: Rev. George Smith Thu Apr 16, 2020 7:38 pm

Sory John Ive only ever seen the left and right shots wearing the forage cap, and of course the painting wearing the helmet.

Subject: Re: Rev. George Smith Thu Apr 16, 2020 7:49 pm

Frank,

Likewise here.

In the other painting by Lady Elizabeth Butler he is bareheaded, but can we trust Her Ladyship’s portrait?

JY

Subject: Re: Rev. George Smith Thu Apr 16, 2020 10:52 pm

There's a photo on the internet, which says it possibly him (at the location of the Prince Imperials death) but I am not sure why they think it is him....

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Subject: Re: Rev. George Smith Thu Apr 16, 2020 10:55 pm

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Also this is a portrait that is in the National Portrait Gallery

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Subject: Re: Rev. George Smith Fri Apr 17, 2020 7:02 am

Simon,

Excellent stuff! As to the photograph of the destruction of the umuzi, I was aware of that conclusion. One author actually captioned it as the defenders of Rorke’s Drift, and the figure with the beard was identified as John Chard. A researcher who specialised in matters ecclesiastical - and in Smith in particular - was aware that Smith was present at the umuzi’s destruction.

Now here’s the reason I was asking.
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Henry Kisch cdv, 1870’s
(John Young Collection.)

Smith was in Pietermaritzburg from 1870 to 1872, I believe Henry Kisch was operating in PMB at about that time. Smith would have been in his mid-twenties at the time. So I just wonder if my cdv could be him.

The NPG portrait is interesting as I can see a likeness in certain features, the ears appear larger in the portrait, but as we know ears continue to grow.

JY

Subject: Re: Rev. George Smith Fri Apr 17, 2020 8:35 am

Hi John,

I think there are similarities between your CDV and the 'classic' Smith in his uniform (nose shape and ear) and they are hairy enough to be the same fella but it does depend what is under his hat.....

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There is also the Crealock sketch somewhere showing him in his pith helmet, with overcoat and revolver but I don't know how accurate Crealock was.

The Umzi photograph sort of looks like him but its too hard to tell given the photo quality and size.

Good luck

Cheers

Simon

Subject: Re: Rev. George Smith Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:27 am

What is the date of the 'umuzi' photo?

Subject: Re: Rev. George Smith Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:31 am

Frank,

When the IInd Division destroyed the place in early June 1879, there’s at least one other photograph taken at the time.

JY

Subject: Re: Rev. George Smith Fri Apr 17, 2020 1:00 pm

Thanks John, just filling in some gaps. `On the subject of photos, or lack of, Mavumenga ?

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