Archibald Benjamin Smith
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Archibald Benjamin was born in 1884 the son of Benjamin Stables Smith a butcher and later pickle manufacturer and Mary Ann Smith (née Bennett). His father Benjamin Stables Smith was born in 1854 in Thurmaston, Derbyshire, and his mother Mary Ann Elizabeth Bennett was born in 1855 in Chaddesdon, Derbyshire. They were married at St Alkmund’s Church in Derby on 30th May 1875. They had six children who survived infancy - Alfred G. b.1877, William T b.1879, Henry B. b.1881, Lillian B b.1883, Archibald Benjamin b.1884 and Ethel M b.1888. All the children were born in Derby. In 1911 they lived at 16, Storer Road, Nottingham. The family later lived at 29 Trent Road Beeston Nottingham. Administration of Archibald Smith’s will was awarded to his father. Effects £34 5s 10d (Probate, Nottingham 5 July 1915).
Private Archibald Benjamin Smith enlisted at Manchester and served with the 2nd battalion Highland Light Infantry. He was killed in action on 13th November 1914 and is buried in Oosttaverne Wood Cemetery.
His medal index card shows the name William Critchlow crossed out and the name Archibald Benjamin Smith substituted. He served as Archibald Benjamin Critchlow. CWGC record: 'Born at Derby' CWGC headstone, personal inscription: 'Rest in peace' Photograph with caption, Nottingham Evening Post, 14 February 1915: ‘Private AB Smith, 2nd Highland LI, 142 Arkwright Street, Nottingham. Killed in action at Ypres, November 13th. Aged 30.’ Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 13 November 1916: ‘Smith. In loving memory of Archie B Smith, late of Midland Railway Company, killed in action November 13th, 1914. Did his duty. Mother and dad.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 13 November 1916: ‘Smith. In loving memory of Archie B Smith, killed in action November 13th, 1914. He did his duty. Alf and Alice.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
