Name
William Smith
7 Aug 1895
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
10/04/1918
23
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
30411
The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment
9th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL
Panel 7.
Belgium
Headstone Inscription
No Report
UK & Other Memorials
Not on the Elstree memorials
Pre War
William was born on 7 Aug 1895 in Colchester to William Smith, a Farrier Sergeant (20th Hussars) and Elizabeth (nee Robinson). William was baptised on 6 Sep 1895 in the Camp Church Colchester and the family residence was the Cavalry Barracks.
His sister Edith R. Smith married Fritz (later Frederick) A. Page in 1913 and came to live at 9, Watling Street, Borehamwood.
Wartime Service
William was enlisted as Private 15371 in the Suffolk Regiment as a Driver. He also acquired the serial number 50435, presumably when he transferred to another Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment but as his Service Records are not available which Battalions cannot be confirmed. Similarly although his Medal Card says he went to France on 25 Jul 1915 it does not name Regiment as at some time he transferred to 9th Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire regiment as Private 30411 again as a driver.
William was killed in action on 10 Apr 1918 as his Battalion was engaged in the Battle of Messines (10 -11 Apr) part of the larger Battle of the Lys, (7 -29 Apr 1918).
His remains were not recovered and he is remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial.
Additional Information
War Gratuity of £16 10s and arrears of £13 16s 2d paid to his sister.
Acknowledgments
Neil Cooper
Jonty Wild
