Alexander Abel Smith
Sir Alexander Abel Smith | |
|---|---|
| Born | 18 September 1904 Belgravia, London, England |
| Died | 17 April 1980 (aged 75) |
| Occupation(s) | British Army officer, merchant banker |
| Years active | 1920s–1970s |
Sir Alexander Abel Smith (18 September 1904 – 17 April 1980) was a distinguished British Army officer and a prominent merchant banker, descending from the notable Smith banking lineage.
Early life and education
Abel Smith was born in Belgravia, London, as the youngest child of Francis Abel Smith of Nottinghamshire and Madeline St Maur Seymour, who was connected to the Duke of Somerset. His older brother, Colonel Sir Henry Abel Smith, served as Governor of Queensland. He received his education at Eton College followed by Magdalen College at Oxford University.
Career
Following his university studies, Abel Smith joined JP Morgan in New York. During the Second World War, he was active in Anti-Aircraft Command and subsequently worked with the British Army Staff based in Washington, holding an honorary Brigadier rank. Around 1946, he became a partner at J. Henry Schroder Wagg. He held the position of chairman at the Pressed Steel Company from 1955 until 1965 and later led Provident Mutual Life Assurance Association Ltd. as chairman between 1966 and 1973.
Personal life
In 1936, Abel Smith married Elizabeth Morgan, who passed away in 1948. He remarried Henriette, Lady Abel Smith, who served as Lady-in-Waiting to Queen Elizabeth II. Their son, David Francis Abel Smith, an engineer, wed author Lucy Abel Smith. Abel Smith resided at Quenington Old Rectory in Cirencester and died unexpectedly in 1980 due to complications following a fall.