Harry Smith
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Harry Smith was born at Arnold in 1889, the son of Thomas a frame work knitter and Hannah Smith of Acton’s Row, St Albans Road, Arnold, Nottingham. His father was born in 1860 in Arnold and his mother Hannah was born in 1861 also in Arnold, they were married in 1880 their marriage was recorded in the Basford Registration District, they went on to have 7 children all of whom were born in Arnold, they were William b1882, Emma b1884, Ethel b1887, Harry b1889, John b1892, Arthur b1894 and Nellie b1899 Harry became an active member of the Baptist Church. In the 1911 Census the family are living at St Albans Road, Arnold and are shown as Thomas 51 yrs a frame work knitter, he is living with his wife Hannah 50 yrs and their children Harry 22 yrs a coal miner, John 19 yrs a frame work knitter, Arthur 17 yrs a miner and Nellie 12 yrs a scholar.
He enlisted into the Sherwood Foresters at Arnold on the 10th December 1915, when aged 26 years and 3 months.He was later, after more training, posted to the 10th battalion in France. On the 25/26th his battalion moved across country to Montaubon and took up positions north of the town in old trenches. During the morning the British artillery fired on their positions and they were obliged to withdraw through Montaubon. The enemy were massing to the north of Mametz Wood and the battalion was again shelled, this time by the Germans from the left flank. About 5.30pm the Brigade withdrew to the Fricourt Line and at 4am on the 26th the withdrawal was continued to Henencourt where the battalion arrived at about 9am. The withdrawal was covered by the M.M.G. Company and the Tank Company of the Brigade. It was during this fighting withdrawal that Harry was wounded, he died of these wounds when aged 29 years. He is buried in Doullens Communal Cemetery Extension No2. France Plot I. Row A. Grave 14. .
He had a younger brother Arthur who also served and died during the 'Great War'
No Photos