Fred Smith
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Father: Edward Smith, born in 1852 in Nottingham and working as an iron turner and later publican of "White Hart Hotel," Gregory Street, Lenton, Nottingham Mother: Sarah Ann, born in 1854 at Loughborough, Leicestershire. Brothers: Alfred Augustus, born in 1880, Harry, born in 1885, Edward, born in 1890 and Gerald, born in 1891 and working as a lace machine builder. Sisters: Grace Emma, born in 1882 and working in the pub, Clara, born in 1889 and Annie, born in 1892 and working as a lace finisher. On Edward's death, Sarah Ann took over the running of the pub. All the children were born in Nottingham. Fred Smith married Clara May Smith, nee Archer, and they lived at 61 Park Street, New Lenton, Nottingham, and had seven children.
Following training Smith had been drafted to France and had survived the war, only to be laid low by the influenza pandemic which was sweeping through the armies during the autumn of 1918. He was taken to a casualty clearing station near Courtrai, but died on 16/11/1918. He was buried at Kortrijk (St Jan) Communal Cemetery, West Vlaanderen, Belgium A.10
Obituaries published 29th November 1918 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “SMITH. – On the 16th inst., in France, of influenza, Driver Fred Smith, R.F.A., beloved husband of Clara Smith. – Deeply mourned by his sorrowing wife and seven children. “SMITH. – On the 16th inst., in France, of influenza, Driver Fred Smith, R.F.A., late of Fleeman's, Broad-marsh. – Fondly remembered by his father and sisters.” In memoriam published 17th November 1919 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “SMITH. – In loving memory of Driver Fred Smith, R.F.A., who died of pneumonia, in France, November 16th, 1918. – Sorrowing wife and children. “SMITH. – In memory of Driver Fred Smith of the Royal Field Artillery, died in France, November 16th, 1918. Cherished memories. – Mother, George, and Elsie.” Above notices are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918
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