Eric Dorman-Smith

Eric Edward ("Chink") Dorman-Smith (24 July 1895 – 11 May 1969), who later changed his surname to Eric Edward Dorman O'Gowan, was a British Army soldier whose career began in the First World War. In the 1920s, he was one of the military thinkers in various countries - such as Heinz Guderian in Germany and Charles de Gaulle in France - who realised that technology and motorisation were changing the way that wars and battles were fought. Influenced by J.F.C. Fuller, Archibald Wavell, Liddell Hart, and others, Dorman-Smith took an active role in trying to change the culture of the British Army and held a number of teaching and training roles in various parts of the British Empire. Although he made several contributions in advisory roles during the campaigns in the Western Desert in 1940–41, it was not until May 1942 that he went on active service again. However, his service record in the Second World War is shrouded in controversy and ended when he was fired from his command in 1944.

NB: Brigadier Eric Edward Dorman O'Gowan alias Smith Copy of confirmation of arms to the descendants of Edward Patrick Dorman Smith of Bellamount Forest, Cootehill, descended from the family of O'Gowan alias Smith of Ballygowan, Co. Down and to his son, Brigadier Eric Edward Dorman O'Gowan alias Smith of same place, March 31, 1949 Holdings: Copy of confirmation of arms to the descendants of Edward Patrick Dorman Smith of Bellamount Forest, Cootehill, descended from the family of O'Gowan alias Smith of Ballygowan, Co. Down and to his son, Brigadier Eric Edward Dorman O'Gowan alias Smith of same place, March 31, 1949