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Master. Archibald Bisset Smith VC.
Mercantile Marine SS Otaki
(d.10th March 1917)
Archibald Smith was killed in action on the 10th of March 1917, aged 38. He is commemorated on the The Tower Hill Memorial in London.
An extract from "The London Gazette," dated 24th May, 1919, records the following:- "For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of the S.S. Otaki, on the 10th March, 1917. "At about 2.30 p.m. on 10th March, 1917, the S.S.Otaki, whose armament consisted of one 4.7 in. gun for defensive purposes, sighted the disguised German raider Moewe, which was armed with four 5.9 in., one 4.1 in. and two 22 pdr. guns, and two torpedo tubes. The Moewe kept the Otaki under observation for some time and finally called upon her to stop. This Lieutenant Smith refused to do, and a duel ensued at ranges of 1,900 - 2,000 yards, and lasted for about 20 minutes. During this action the Otaki scored several hits on the Moewe, causing considerable damage, and starting a fire which lasted for three days. She sustained several casualties and received much damage herself, and was heavily on fire. Lieutenant Smith, therefore, gave orders for the boats to be lowered to allow the crew to be rescued. He remained on the ship himself and went down with her when she sank with the British colours still flying, after what was described in an enemy account as "a duel as gallant as naval history can relate."
