Sir Alex Smith was born in Lossiemouth, Moray, Scotland, in 1922 and died in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, England. He was educated at Lossiemouth, Elgin Academy and then, following the winning of a scholarship, at Aberdeen University, Scotland. The Second World War interrupted his university years but he returned to Aberdeen after having served throughout the war years in the Royal Navy. After his graduation, Sir Alex went to work for Rolls-Royce, working his way up to Head of Advanced Research playing a major part in the development of the RB211 aircraft engine. On leaving Rolls Royce, he took up the major challenge of creating the Manchester Polytechnic which was later to become the largest Manchester university - Manchester Metropolitan University. He was immensely proud of his achievements as the Polytechnic's first Director.