Name
Harry Smith
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
17/01/1917
18
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Lance Corporal
2900
Hertfordshire Regiment
1st/1st Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
VLAMERTINGHE MILITARY CEMETERY
V. E. 14.
Belgium
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Ashwell Village Memorial,
St Mary’s Church Roll of Honour, Ashwell,
Hertfordshire Regimental Memorial, All Saints Church, Hertford
Pre War
Harry was the second son of George and Lilla Smith (née Worboys) of Ashwell.
Harry was educated at the Taylor Merchant School and was working as a milkman.
Wartime Service
He enlisted in September 1914, gained promotions whilst training to the rank of Sergt. and was a musketry instructor, before going to France, reverting to the rank of Private. He was only there for about six weeks before he was killed in action.
De Ruvigny mentions that Capt. Thomas Gibbons wrote: "He is a great loss, for he had proved himself a very brave and capable man, and he was very popular in his platoon."
According to the letter he wrote to Harry's parents his CO claimed that he was shot through the heart at 9pm on 16th January.
Additional Information
Harry's elder brother, Sergt. Herbert Smith , also gave his life for his country.
Acknowledgments
Jonty Wild, Derry Warners
Adrian Pitts, Paul Johnson, Jonty Wild
