Dungeness Site Stakeholder Group
Colonel G F Smythe OBE
Born 26 November 1939 in East London.
Attended local state schools until the age of 15 when accepted for the Infantry Junior Leaders College at Plymouth Devon. Joined the Regular Army as a member of the 1st Battalion the Rifle Brigade in 1957. Obtained the rank of Warrant Officer by the age of 24. Selected for commission and attended Regular Commission Examination in 1968. Passed RCB and commissioned into the Rifle Brigade, The Royal Green Jackets in 1969. Attended Southampton University in 1971 having obtained the rank of Captain. Then promoted to Major. Further promotions to Lieutenant Colonel and full Colonel followed.
Served on operations in Hong Kong, Malaya, Borneo, Cyprus, Nigeria and Northern Ireland. Decorated for Gallantry and Mentioned in Despatches.
Retired from the regular Army in 1993 and became Deputy Commander of Cinque Ports Training Area.
Involved in a number of local organisations, Chairman of Fisherman’s Committee, MOD Conservation Committee for the South East, Chairman of Vegetated Shingle Group, South Downs Way Group and the Range Sea Danger Area Group. MODs principle representative on Lydd Airport Committee dealing with air danger matters. English Nature liaison including SSSI matters. Member of the local Life Boat Committee. MOD liaison representative to the Environment Agency for Sea Defences at Lydd and Hythe Ranges and Associated matters including beach regeneration.
Remains involved with regimental matters as a member of the Royal Green Jackets.
Moved to New Romney in 1995. Married to Ruth with two sons Neal and Charles both married.