In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

SMITH, Robert - was the son of Lorenzo and Emma Ann (Dodge) Smith of Island Cove. He was the third son to enlist with the Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve. Military records indicate that he enlisted with on May 12, 1917 and completed his training at HMS BRITON. He was first assigned to the schooner Albert J. Lutz, a decoy schooner for the Royal Navy, where he served 3 months at sea patrolling the waters off Newfoundland for German U-boats. After the completion, he was transferred to HMCS NIOBE base at Halifax. He was deployed to HMCS GUELPH in July 1918 and served on Coastal Drifters. He returned to HMS BRITON in December 1918 and was demobilized on March 19, 1919. He visited the United States and worked there for a short period of time before returning to Island Cove to care for his aging parents. He married Gladys, daughter of Elisha and Annie Gregory of Queen's Cove. After the community of Island Cove was abandon, the family moved to Queen's Cove where he passed away on October 19, 1979.

Ships served in:

* Loaned to RCN 23 Nov 1917

HMCS NIOBE (Depot Ship Halifax) - Served in Niobe 23 No 1917 - 18 Jul 1918

HMCS GUELPH (Patrols Depot) - Served in Guelph 19 Jul 1918 - 30 Nov 1918

HMCS NIOBE (Depot Ship Halifax) - Served in Niobe 01 Dec 1918 - 20 Dec 1918

* returned to RN 21 Dec 1918

Research Credit:  Lester Green, Southwest Arm Historical Society