Dorrien-Smith, Arthur Algernon (1876 - 1955)

Born at Stratton Audley, Bicester, England, on 28 January 1876, and died at Tresco Abbey, Isles of Scilly, England on 29 May 1955. 

He was educated at Eton and left in 1894 to join the Rifle Brigade. He saw service in the South African War (1900-02) and was mentioned in dispatches as well as being awarded the D.S.G. In World War I (1914-18) he rose to the rank of Major and was again mentioned in dispatches. 

His connection with Australia commenced in the period 1904-05 when he was an extra A.D.C. to Lord Northcote, then Governor-General. From the time of the South African War he commenced botanical collecting and in 1907-08 was on a 12 months Sub-Antarctic Scientific Expedition, which had as its primary object magnetic observation in the Auckland and Campbell Islands. Following the expedition he travelled widely in New Zealand, as well as making a shorter visit to Australia. In 1909 he again visited Australia, New Zealand and the Chatham Islands, and had a total collection of plants and seeds of about 2280 specimens.

When his father died in 1918 he settled at Tresco Abbey and lived there until his death. He was always interested in horticulture and had a long tutelage from his father. He received the Victorian Medal of Horticulture, the highest award obtainable in horticulture. 

His collections in Australia included the type material of several species of Acacia - one of which, A. cyanophylla Lindl. var. dorrienii was named in his honour by Domin in 1923.