Wilfrid Smith
H was an apprentice butcher in the 1911 census.
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
Wilfrid Smith was born in 1892 at Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, he was the son of Tom a farm labourer and and Eliza Ann Smith née Adlett of Gilbert's Bar Newborough near Peterborough.
His father Tom was born in 1866 at Parsons Drove Cambridge his mother Eliza Ann Adlett was born in 1870 also at Parsons Dorve, Camridge they were married in 1892 at Wisbech and went on to have 10 children,
In the 1911 census the family are living at West Bank Crowland near Peterborough, Tom 45 yrs is a farm labourer he is living with his wife Eliza Ann 42 yrs and their 8 children,
In the same 1911 census we find that Wilfrid has left the family home, he is 18 yrs of age single and a buthcers apprentice, he is living at North Street, Crowland near Peterborough he is living with Frank Ingham 26 yrs a butcher and his wife
He was the husband of Hilda Kirk (born 5th August 1893) they were married in 1916 their marriage was recorded in the Basford registration district, they lived at 46, Chilwell Road, Beeston, Nottingham.
Commencing 25th June 1917 his widow was awarded a pension of 13 shillings and 9 pence a week.
Private Wilfrid Smith enlisted at Nottingham, he served with the 9th battalion Sherwood Foreters Regiment, he entered theatre (France) after 1 January 1916 and only served with 9th Battalion. He was wounded On 29th November 1916 during a battalion relief. The relief was chaotic as firstly 'A' company's guides got lost bringing the new detachment up and then the new battalion moved into dugouts instead of the front line. The relief began at 6 pm on 29th and it was 3.05 am before it was finished. The enemy laid down heavy shelling at 10 am and 5 pm knowing that a relief was due. Eight men died or sustained wounds from which they would die on 29th November. Wilfrid was taken back to the Casualty Clearing Station at Contay, Somme and died of his wounds on 4th December 1916. He is buried at Contay British Cemetery, Grave Reference: VII C 18
additional research and information Peter Gillings
Wilfrid Smith's CWGC headstone
Photo by John Morse