In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

SMITH, Leander - Leander was the oldest of three brothers to enlist with the Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve. They were the sons of Lorenzo and Emma Ann (Dodge) Smith of Island Cove, a small now abandon fishing village.

Leander enlisted with the Naval Reserve on December 3, 1913. His brother, Stuart, enlisted in  November 1912 while the youngest brother, Robert signed with the navy in May 1917.

Seaman Leander Smith career took him overseas during the early years of the war where he served 2 years on the HMS Virginian. Interestingly, his brother Stuart, also served on the same vessel. When he received furlough in 1917, he returned to HMS Briton (formerly HMS Calypso) and was transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy. He was assigned to three shore based station HMCS NIOBE, HMCS STADACONA and HMCS SEAGULL.

After the war, Leander travelled to Brooklyn, New York. He returned for a short period of time to Island Cove and married Gladys, daughter of John and Sarah Spoon of Brigus, Nl., in 1927. Leander moved his family to Brooklyn and raised their family there. He became a citizen of the United States in 1940. Leander passed away on March 3, 1955 and was buried in New York.

Ships served in:

* Loaned to RCN 27 Nov 1917

CD-24 - Served in CD 24 27 Nov 1917 - 21 Dec 1918

HMCS NIOBE (Depot Ship Halifax) - Served in Niobe 22 Dec 1918 - 25 Dec 1918

* Returned to RN 26 Dec 1918

Research Credit:  Lester Green, Southwest Arm Historical Society