Harold Smith
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Harold was born in about 1897. No details of his birth have been traced and he was described in an 'In memoriam' notice published in the local paper in 1917 as the adopted son of Naomi and Frank Clarke. Naomi was born in Shepshed, Leicestershire, and was probably Naomi née Walker who was born in 1867 (J/F/M Loughborough Leics), date of birth probably 11 January 1867. There is a record of the marriage of a Naomi Walker to a Joseph Rylance in 1887 (J/A/S Nottingham). In 1901 Naomi Rylance (34 b. Shepshed, married) was living at 10 Gate Street, Nottingham, as housekeeper to Frank Clarke (42) a widower with three children. Also in the household were her children, May Rylance (13) and Thomas AC Rylance (8 b. 29 March 1893 A/M/J Nottingham), and Harold Smith (4) all three of whom were described as boarders. In 1911 Naomi (surname Clarke) was living at 17 Norton Street, Radford. She was widowed and working as an ironer. Also in the household were her son Thomas Albert Rylance (18) a cutter, and Harold Smith (14) a fitter (baskets) who was described as a boarder. No record has been traced of a marriage between Naomi and Frank Clarke although in 1911 and 1939 Naomi uses his surname and is described as a widow. Frank Clarke predeceased Harold. In 1939 at the time the England & Wales Register was compiled Naomi (Clarke, b. 11 January 1867) was living at 19 Wimbourne Street, Nottingham, with her son Thomas Albert, a coal hewer miner, and his wife and children. Naomi Rylance (k/a Clarke) died in 1946 (A/M/J Nottingham).
Harold was killed in action on 5 July 1916. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 5 July 1917: ‘Smith. In loving memory of Private Harold Smith, Sherwood Foresters, beloved adopted son of Naomi and the late Frank Clarke, killed in action, July 5th 1916. The great sacrifice. Fondly remembered by mother, brothers, and sisters.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 5 July 1918: ‘Smith. In loving memory of Harold, the adopted son of Naomi and the late Frank Clarke, killed in action July 5th, 1916. Great sacrifice. Fondly remembered by mother, sister (May], brother Tom (with the colours)’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Acknowledgements’, 8 June 1946: ‘The family of the late Mrs Naomi Rylance (Clarke), wish to thank relatives, friends, neighbours and members of Hyson Green branch of the British Legion for their sympathy and floral tributes in their great (-) of a dear mother.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
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