Name
Edwin John Smith
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
19/05/1915
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
2572
Hertfordshire Regiment
1st Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 (Mons) Star, British War and Victory Medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
BETHUNE TOWN CEMETERY
IV. C. 20
France
Headstone Inscription
No Report
UK & Other Memorials
St Albans Citizens Memorial, Town Hall (old) Memorial, St Albans, St Albans School Memorial, St Albans School Roll of Honour 1914-16, Hertfordshire Regimental Memorial, All Saints Church, Hertford, Holy Trinity Church Memorial, Frogmore,, St Stephen Parish Memorial Obelisk, Park Street
Pre War
Edwin John was born in 1893 (baptised 25 Mar 1894, St Peters) in St Albans to Samuel John Smith, railway signalman, and Sarah Elizabeth (nee Fisher).
On the 1901 Census Edwin John was living with his parents at 14 West View Road, St Albans.
On the 1911 Census Edwin John and his parents were still living at 14 West View Road, St Albans with the addition of married daughter Edith Jane Day (nee Smith, born 1884), her husband George Henry Day and their daughter Edith Joan Day (born 1910).
He was educated at St Albans School where he was member of the Officers Training Corps.
Wartime Service
Edwin john enlisted on 28 Aug 1914 as Private 2572 in Hertfordshire Regiment, Territorial Force and following his training went with the 1st Battalion to France landing at Le Havre on 6 Nov 1914. The Battalion moved to the Ypres area and was in 4th (Guards) Brigade 2nd Division with Guards Battalions.
In May 1915 the battalion was in support of Irish Guards when they attacked on 18 May during the Battle of Festubert (15-23 May 1915). During this action Edwin John was wounded, He died from his wounds on 19 May 1915 at 4 Field Ambulance.
Additional Information
War Gratuity of £3 and arrears of £7 16s 4d was [paid to his father.
Acknowledgments
Neil Cooper
Gareth Hughes, Jonty Wild
