F. E. Smith, 1st Earl of Birkenhead

Frederick Edwin Smith, 1st Earl of Birkenhead Bt GCSI PC , known as F. E. Smith, was a British Conservative politician and barrister who attained high office in the early 20th century, in particular as Lord Chancellor. He was a skilled orator, noted for his staunch opposition to Irish nationalism, his wit, pugnacious views, and hard living and drinking. He is perhaps best remembered today as Winston Churchills greatest personal and political friend until Birkenheads death at age fiftyeight from pneumonia caused by cirrhosis of the liver.

Smith was born in Birkenhead in Cheshire, the eldest son of Frederick Smith and Elizabeth Taylor.

Source: Wikipedia