Fred Smith

Lance, Corpl: Fred Smith Worksop Guardian 17 November 1916 Further names have to be added to Worksop’s already long roll of Honour; amongst them is that of Lance-Corpl. Fred Smith, of the 2nd Sherwood Foresters, who resided at 41, Hamilton Street. When the war broke out Smith was a miner at Shireoaks Colliery, and he enlisted in January 1915. He was a fine, well built man, and for some time he was retained by the military at Sunderland, where he assisted in drilling recruits. Four months ago he was drafted out to France with the late Serge: Harry Penny, and he was believed to have been killed on October 19th. At the time of writing no official intimation had been received, but there would unfortunately seem to be no reason for doubting the report. The news is contained in a letter from Pte. Benn, of Worksop, in which he says’ “……….Tell Mrs. Smith her husband was killed and buried by shell fire. He died before we got him out.” Pte Bailey also writes confirming this intelligence. Lance-Corpl: Smith was 25 last July, and he leaves a widow and two children, aged five and four. His letter home is dated October 12th. Mrs. Smith, with whom much sympathy is expressed, is in communication with the War Office. Mrs. Smith has since received the following letter from her late husband’s Commanding Officer:- “Dear Mrs. Smith,-In answer to your letter, I regret to have to inform you that your husband was killed. He was in my Platoon at one time, and while I had him he was an excellent soldier, and I am very sorry to hear of his death when I joined the Battalion. Please accept my deep sympathy.- Yours truly, M. Kent, Sec-Lieut., “C” Company.”

Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Research by Colin Dannatt