Percy Smith
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Percy was the son of Kate and John Smith. John and Kate had eight children and when Kate as head of household completed the Census in 1911 she said she had had eight children all of whom were still living. Eight children were named on the census of 1901 and 1911: Kate E b. abt 1890, Nottingham, Percy birth registered 1894 (J/F/M Nottingham), Lawrence b. Coventry, Horace b. Coventry, John Herbert b. 1900 (A/M/J Nottingham), Louis b. 1892 (J/A/S Nottingham), Ivy Lilian b. 1904 (J/A/S Nottingham) and Ada b. abt 1907). In 1901 John (31, b. Derby), a joiner, and Kate (29, b. Nottingham), were living on Back Street, Ruddington, with their five children, Kate (9), Percy (7), Lawrence (4), Horace (2) and John (10 months). John Smith probably died around 1906/1907 and in 1911 his widow was living at 32 Flewitt Street, Nottingham, with her seven youngest children; Percy (17) a joiner's apprentice, Laurence (14) an errand boy, Horace (12), John Herbert (10), Louis (8), Ivy Lilian (6) and Ada (4). The eldest child, Kate, has not yet been traced on the 1911 Census. When Percy was killed in 1916 his mother was living at Loverseed Terrace, Union Road, Nottingham, and she was still living at that address when the CWGC records were compiled. Percy was engaged to Gladys Morton at the time of his death.
He enlisted in February 1915 and served in 12 Section, 3 Platoon, A Coy. It is believed he was wounded in the action at Gommercourt, France. He was evacuated home and died in the War Hospital, Warrington, on 7 July 1917. A service was held in Nottingham St Peter's church and he was buried in Nottingham Church (Rock) Cemetery on 11 July (All Soul's, grave ref 6432).
Personal inscription on CWGC headstone: 'Father in thy gracious keeping leave we now thy servant sleeping.' Nottingham Evening Post, Roll of Honour, 8 July 1916: Died of wounds July 7th, Bugler Percy Smith Sherwood Foresters, age 22 years, son of Kate Smith, Loverseed Terrace. Funeral Church Cemetery. Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 10 July 1916: ‘Smith. Died of wounds, July 7th, Bugler Percy Smith Sherwood Foresters, aged 22 years, beloved son of Kate Smith, Loverseed-terrace. Service at St Peter’s, 2.15pm.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post ‘Roll of Honour’, ’10 July 1916: ‘Died of wounds, Percy Smith, aged 22 years. Deeply mourned by his fiancée, Gladys Morton, and family.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) The funeral of Bugler Percy Smith, 1/7th Battalion Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment (Robin Hood Rifles), took place at Nottingham Church Cemetery on 11th July 1916. He had died of wounds in a Manchester hospital four days previously. Following article appeared on 12th July 1916 in the Nottingham Daily Express: “IN HONOUR OF THE BRAVE. “Funeral of Nottingham Sherwood Forester Bugler. “In a manner worthy of a brave soldier, the remains of Bugler Percy Smith, of the Sherwood Foresters, were laid to rest at the Nottingham Church Cemetery yesterday afternoon. [11th July 1916] Bugler Smith’s career was interesting one, and his life an example of the usefulness of the Boys’ Brigade. “Seven years ago, at the age of 15, he joined the Dakeyne-street Lads’ Club, and a became member of that company of the Boys' Brigade. He was also a member of the band, and bugler to Captain O. W. Hind’s company. “At the outbreak of war he volunteered for active service with the Sherwood Foresters, and went to Franco with one of the Territorial service battalions as bugler, and while on duty, with his bugle in his hand, he was half buried. His body was badly crushed and his hand injured, but he was rescued and sent to hospital at Manchester, where he succumbed to his injuries last Friday. [7th July 1916] “The body was brought to Nottingham for interment, and yesterday there took part in the sad procession from his home in Loveseed-terrace, Union-road, a band, firing party, and bearers of khaki-clad Territorials, and the Dakeyne-street Company of the Boys' Brigade, which was under the command of Captain O. W. Hind and Lieutenant Davidson. “The coffin, wrapped in the Union Jack, and on which a bugle had been placed, was first taken to St. Peter’s Church, the interment taking place at the Church Cemetery.” Above article is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918 Nottingham Evening Post, 19 July 1916: Photographs with caption: ‘Those who have fallen in action. Top: Bugler P Smith, Sherwood Foresters, died of wounds, late of 6, Loverseed-terrace, Nottingham,’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 7 July 1917: ‘Smith In loving memory of my dear son, Bugler Percy Smith, Sherwood Foresters, died of wounds received July 7th, 1916. Ever lovingly remembered by his sorrowing mother, brothers, and sisters. Peace, perfect peace.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 7 July 1917: ‘Smith. In loving memory of Bugler Percy Smith, died of wounds, July 7th, 1916. Ever remembered. Fiancee Gladys.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Registers of Soldiers' Effects: His mother was his sole legatee
