Charles Harding Smith | |
|---|---|
| Born | 24 January 1931[1] Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Died | 1997 (aged 65–66) Skipton, England |
| Allegiance | Ulster Defence Association |
| Service | Woodvale Defence Association UDA West Belfast Brigade |
| Years of service | 1971–1975 |
| Rank | Brigadier |
| Battles / wars | The Troubles |
Charles Harding Smith (24 January 1931 – 1997) was a loyalist leader in Northern Ireland and the first effective leader of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA). An important figure in the Belfast-based "defence associations" that formed the basis of the UDA on its formation in 1971, Smith later became embroiled in feuds with other UDA leaders and was eventually driven out of Northern Ireland by his opponents.