[2] Following the outbreak of World War I he joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) in 1914 and served on motor launches in the Mediterranean.

After the Whippet failed to attract sufficient sales Austin decided in 1920 to abandon aircraft production.

[6] Following the placement of government orders for the Spitfire Smith was heavily involved in the design of the airframe's structure and preparation of production drawings.

[9] Following his piston-engined aircraft Smith designed the first British naval jet fighter, the Supermarine Attacker, using the Spiteful wing, which saw service with the Royal Navy.

[10] Following the Attacker he oversaw the design of the Type 510 a swept-wing jet fighter which was developed into the Supermarine Swift.

[10] While he was mainly involved in the development of fighter aircraft in the post-war era he was also the chief designer of the Seagull, an amphibian flying boat.