John Smith
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
He was the son of Sarah Ann and John Smith, of the Plough and Harrow Inn, Lowdham Street, Nottingham. He married his wife Lily Eleanor Robinson in 1902 in Nottingham; they went on to have a daughter Lily Eva born 1907 in Nottingham. In the 1911 census the families were living at the Plough and Harrow Inn, Lowdham Street, Nottingham, and were shown as John Smith 64 years, an inn keeper, who was living with his wife Sarah Ann 61 yrs, their son Bertie 17 yrs single and a clerk and their married son John 29 yrs, a shoe maker, his wife Lily 29 yrs, a machinist, and their daughter Lily Eva 4 yrs. His widow Lily later remarried to become Lilly Barton and at the time the CWGC record was compiled was living on Burgass Road, Thorneywood, Nottingham.
Initially served in the 25th Works Bn (Durham Light Infantry, 124752) but transferred later to the 298th Reserve Labour Company. Labour Corps. John died at Alton Auxiliary Hospital on 16 July 1917 and was buried in the Nottingham Church (Rock) Cemetery, Nottingham, on 21 July (grave ref All Soul's 7759).
Obituary Notices published 20th July 1917 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “SMITH. – On July 16th, in hospital, Private J. Smith, aged 36 years. He did his best. – Sorrowing mother, sisters, and five other brothers serving with the colours. Military funeral, Saturday [21st July 1917], 2.30, Church Cemetery. “SMITH. – On the 16th July, in hospital, Jack, the dearest loved brother of Mrs. Ward, the Plough and Harrow Inn, Lowdham-street. A loving brother, true and kind. – Lizzie and George Ward.” In memoriam notices published 16th July 1918 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “SMITH. – In fond remembrance of my dear husband, Pte. J. Smith, died in hospital July 16th, 1917. Time changes many things, but loving remembrance will always cling. – Wife and child. “SMITH. – In loving remembrance of our dear son and brother, Pte. J. Smith, died July 16th, 1917. Fond memories keep our loved one near us, whom we lost one year ago. – Sorrowing mother, sisters and brothers.” Above obituary and in memoriam notices are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918.
