Smith was a sapper with the Canadian Engineers when he applied for transfer to the RFC effective 1916-11-25. Smith was Scots born, but emigrated to Prince Edward, Saskatchewan, in 1910, when in his late teens. He started his own business in Regina, Saskatchewan, and ran it until he returned to the England after the outbreak of war in late of 1914. On 20 January 1915, Smith went to Ottawa and volunteered for military service. He served with the Canadian Engineers until transferring to the RFC He served as an observer/gunner in the FE.2bs of 18 Squadron and scored his first aerial victory on 1916-12-26. On 1917-04-06, he scored his fifth victory, making him an observer-acel. Five days later, a stomach wound suffered in action removed him from duty. He recovered to serve in three Home Defence Squadrons during 1918. On 1918-08-06, he injured his left eye. He came back from that wound to serve in 78 squadron. He returned to Canada in late 1919. In total Smith served with the following squadrons in England: No. 18 Squadron RAF, No. 33 (Home Defence) Squadron RAF, No. 51 (Home Defence) Squadron RAF, No. 78 (Home Defence) Squadron RAF