William Joseph Smith
William Joseph Smith (1871-1945)
1946 Obituary [1]
"WILLIAM JOSEPH SMITH, M.B .E., throughout his career was identified with the Midland Railway, both during its independent existence and after its absorption into the London, Midland and Scottish Railway.
He was born in 1871 and received his technical education at the Derby Technical College. At the conclusion of a six years' apprenticeship in the carriage and wagon department at Derby in 1890, he entered the works drawing office, where he was engaged for thirteen years as a draughtsman. He was then promoted to be chief works draughtsman and held this position until 1915, when he was made assistant works manager and subsequently manager. His appointment as works superintendent dated from 1924, a position he retained until his retirement in 1931 after forty-seven years' service in the carriage and wagon department of the company. Mr. Smith, who had been an Associate Member of the Institution since 1904, was formerly a lecturer on engineering subjects at Derby Technical College. His death occurred on 30th May 1945."