Frank Smyth
New Zealand rugby player (1891–1972)
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Bernard Francis Smyth (11 February 1891 – 15 July 1972) was a New Zealand rugby union player.
11 February 1891
| Born | Bernard Francis Smyth 11 February 1891 Boatmans, Buller, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Died | 15 July 1972 (aged 81) Christchurch, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.77 m (5 ft 9+1⁄2 in)[1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 78 kg (172 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notable relative | Peter Dunne (grandson) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation(s) | Bricklayer,[1] publican | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Playing career
A hooker, Smyth played a single representative game for Canterbury in 1915, one match for the South Island in 1922 and was a member of the New Zealand national side, the All Blacks, also in 1922. He played three matches for the All Blacks but did not appear in any internationals.[2]
Military service
Smyth served in the No. 3 Field Company, New Zealand Engineers, during World War I. He enlisted in December 1915 as a sapper, and had risen to the rank of sergeant by the time of his discharge in June 1919.[1] He saw action at Ypres, Passchendaele and the Somme,[2] and was mentioned in dispatches, by Sir Douglas Haig on 7 April 1918.[3]
Death and legacy
Smyth died in Christchurch on 15 July 1972, and was buried at Memorial Park Cemetery in Bromley.[2][4] His grandson is the politician, Peter Dunne.[5]
