Survivor of the Great Depression, World War II veteran and activist for the disadvantaged and for the preservation of democracy. He grew up in poverty in Yorkshire, served in the Royal Air Force in World War II and immigrated to Canada in 1953. He wrote five books on life in the Great Depression, World War II and post-war austerity, and columns for The Guardian, New Statesman, The Daily Mirror, International Business Times and Morning Star. He made public appearances at the 2014 Labour Party conference in Manchester, during the 2015 general election and in the 2016 EU membership referendum, and in Canada as part of his 2015 "Stand Up for Progress" national tour. Smith said the 2008 global financial crisis inspired him to formulate his "last battle," writing and campaigning on income inequality, public services and what he sees diminishing prospects for young people. In October 2015, Smith appeared in the BBC Three documentary We Want Our Country Back, where he harshly criticised the far-right anti-immigration political movement Britain First. He was also actively involved in supporting refugees during the European migration crisis.