Biography of Archbald William SMITH
[Ref. R.21]
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Biography of Archbald William SMITH
[Ref. R.21]
| Biography index | |
Dwellings | |
Vehicles | |
Photographs |
After leaving school, Archie joined a shipping firm in the City of London where he was a clerk. He would often be required to go down to the docks with Bills of Lading.
In 1921, he joined the stockbroking firm of Kitching and Tabraham at 19 Great Winchester Street in the City of London and became a dealer on the Wall Street market. In January 1931 Archie was interviewed and photographed by The Daily Express with regard to a possible forthcoming General Election. The notebook which he has on the table in front of him has survived amongst his keepsakes.
The company was taken over by Arthur Aman and Archie became his secretary, a position which he held for the rest of his life.
Archie exploited his musical talents during his early working years when he joined the Albert Delroi Tango Band and played at social functions. A card from 1932 shows the band as playing at The Wagon Shed at Horley for after-dinner dances (Evening Dress) on the last Saturday of each month from 9pm to Midnight. The group comprised piano, violin and tenor singer.
Archie had a Norton motorbike when a young working man and he tended to show off on it a bit. One day he was riding round in tight circles in front of some friends but went round too tightly for his speed and fell of, breaking his thumb as a consequence.
His first car was an Austin 7 Ruby saloon with a fabric topped body. It had no springs and the back seat was a sheet of plywood with an upholstered squab on it. When it was new, he drove his father around in it to show it off but went over a bump rather fast at which his father was ejected upwards and hit his head on the roof. This caused his customary bowler hat to be pushed down over his ears and is believed to be not only the first but also the last time he went in the car.
Archie later bought a bullnose Morris which had previously been a police car and therefore well used. He and Doady were driving down to Cornwall one day in the late 1930's and were surprised whilst going down a hill to be overtaken by one of their back wheels ! in the late 1930's and were surprised whilst going down a hill to be overtaken by one of their back wheels !
Archie met Doady through the Samms family who were mutual friends in Streatham. Archie knew Billy whereas Doady was friendly with his older sister Mary. The family remained in touch for many years and would meet at Selsey where both families took their summer holidays.
From about 1935 up to 1938, Archie lived at "Hendred" in Windlesham, the country home of Arthur Aman for whom he worked, and conducted his affairs from there and the office in London. Arthur's father has been a prominent businessman on the isle of Wight where he owned the Totland Bay Hotel and Pier Company.
In 1938, Archie moved into a flat at 12 "Florida Court", Staines which was situated adjacent to Staines railway station. The flat was furnished with new furniture purchased from Messrs. Mackinlay & Co Ltd of Chiswell Street, London. Archie had at this time a pedigree wire-haired fox terrier whose kennel name was Napoleon Fox but was called Nappy for short.
His next car was a light grey Morris Coupé and this is the one he was driving when he got caught in 1938 for speeding in a built up area. He was fined £1.10.0 at Spelthorne petty sessions on 20 December and also had his licence endorsed. Archie had a car mechanic friend called Riley Welsh who lived at Ashford and used to maintain the car for him.
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