William Edward Smith

Pte. W. E. Smith Worksop Guardian 14 December 1917 In our last issue we reported that Pte. W.E. Smith, eldest son of Mr. George Smith, headmaster of St. John’s Boy’s School, Worksop, had been badly wounded, and this week we regret to report that the poor brave lad has succumbed to his wounds. He was only a boy, not yet 20 years of age, and the example he has set of courage and fortitude is one which would shame a veteran. Willy, as he was best known, enlisted at the end of last February, in the K.O.Y.L.I., and was drafted to France in October last. By nature he was the reverse of a fighting man; indeed, his was a gentle disposition, but he had a keen sense of duty, and he never flinched the call. In the recent fighting he was shot in the back, and though at first his life was not despaired of, spinal complications ensued, and the end came suddenly. Writing to his parents, Major Foxton said that beyond a certain amount of headache, he did not suffer much, and the end was peaceful. “I sympathise greatly with you in your misfortune”, adds the Major; “you may find comfort in the thought that his end was a glorious one”. Pte. Smith was liked by all who knew him. Before the War he was apprenticed to Mr. Ketteringham, cabinet maker, and gave every promise of being a clever workman. He was a good son, and his parents have the sympathy of the townspeople in the sorrow which has come upon them

CWGC - Son of George and Elizabeth Emma Smith, of 29, Sherwood Rd., Worksop, Notts. Buried St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France. Research by Colin Dannatt