William Reardon Smith

Sir William Reardon Smith, 1st Baronet (7 August 1856 – 23 December 1935) was a British shipowner.

Reardon Smith was born in Appledore, Devon, and educated at the Wesleyan School there. He went to sea and obtained his master mariner's ticket before going into the shipping business. In 1905 he founded his own company, William Reardon Smith & Sons Ltd, based in Cardiff, where he had made his home. The company owned the St Just Steamship Company, Leeds Shipping Company and Cornborough Shipping Line. By the time of his death the company owned twenty-eight ships.

Reardon Smith was also a major benefactor to the National Museum of Wales. He was created a baronet in the King's 1920 Birthday Honours in recognition of shipping services during the First World War.

Reardon Smith was buried in Cathays Cemetery in Cardiff. There is a bust of him in Cardiff City Hall. He was succeeded in the baronetcy by his son, Willie.

References

• Obituary, The Times, 24 December 1935