George Edward Smith Jr

Military

Smith murdered British Diplomat Sir Eric Teichmann on 3 December 1944 on his land at Honingham Hall in Norfolk.



Smith and Private Wijpacha stole a pair of M-1 Carbines from the base armoury to go hunting near Honingham. When Teichmann heard gunshots on his land, he went out to investigate. Upon challenging Smith for poaching, Smith shot Teichmann in the head and fled back to base.



Smith confessed his crime on his arrest shortly after, but then retracted his claim, arguing it had been made under confession. Both Smith and Wijpacha were court-martialed at Attlebridge, where Smith received the death penalty. Around this time Smith received a psychiatric examination from Major Thomas March of the US Hospital at Wymondham College.



After his sentence Smith was imprisoned at Shepton Mallet Prison. His appeals were denied and he was hanged there on 8 May 1945.



Smith was given temporary burial at Brookwood American cemetery, before his remains were moved to Plot E of Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, known as a 'house of shame'

Connections

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Units served with

Three little girls hold up a balloon celebrating the 100th mission of the 466th Bomb Group in front of a B-24 Liberator (serial number 42-95592) nicknamed "Black Cat". Handwritten caption on reverse: 'On our 100 Mission party Day- 18 Aug 1944, Attlebridge, 466th- wouldn't it be something if we could identify these girls? How could I do it?'
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 231st Station Hospital
  • Service Numbers: O-474601
  • Highest Rank: Major
  • Role/Job: Chief of Neuropsychiatric Section

Places

Aerial photograph of Attlebridge airfield, looking north, the fuel store and a T2 hangar are in the upper centre, 31 January 1946. Photograph taken by No. 90 Squadron, sortie number RAF/3G/TUD/UK/51. English Heritage (RAF Photography).
  • Site type: Airfield
  • Known as: Attlebridge Arsenal, Station 120
  • Site type: Military site
  • Known as: 77th/231st Station Hospital, Wymondham College Hospital

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Court Martialled

Attlebridge, Norfolk 8 January 1945 - 13 January 1945

Died

Shepton Mallet Prison 8 May 1945 Hanged for Murder
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Enlisted

Buried

Brookwood American Cemetery and Memorial Temporary Burial

Buried

Plot E Oise-Aisne American Cemetery Row 3, Grave 52

Revisions

Date
ContributorEmily
Changes
Sources

Capital punishment UK

Executed Today

1945 annual report for Wymondham College Hospital Wymondham College History