Ernest Smith
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Ernest Smith was born in 1891 at Mansfield he was the youngest son of the late Tommy, and Fanny Smith née Featherstone of 40 Newgate Lane, Mansfield. Tommy Smith was born in 1859 at Lambeth London, he died in 1905 aged 46 yrs at Mansfield , Fanny (Frances) Featherstone was born in 1860 at Mansfield Woodhouse, they were married in 1881 their marriage was recorded in the Mansfield registration district, they went on to have 7 children. In 1911 his widowed mother Frances is 51 yrs of age she is a widow and is living with 4 of her children at 40 Newgate Lane, Mansfield including Ernest 19 yrs a milk seller
Private Ernest Smith enlisted in Mansfield and served with the 11th battalion Sherwood Foresters and was attached 70th Infantry HQ . His medal index cards show he first entered a theatre of war in France on 27th August 1915. He was awarded a military medal and subsequently won a bar to it. Military Medal Citation: London Gazette 21/09/1916; "for gallantry and devotion to duty on 1st July 1916, when in the attack near Ovilles". Bar to Military Medal: London Gazette: 21/10/1918; "for gallantry and devotion to duty during the action at San Sisto Ridge, Italy om 15/06/1918". He was killed in action in Italy on 21st August 1918 and is buried in Magnaboschi British Cemetery Asiago Plateau Italy grave reference plot 1 row E grave 7
The family grave at Mansfield Cemetery reads ;- Thomas Smith beloved husband of Fanny Smith who died March 4th 1905 aged 46 years , 'In the midst of life we are in death' also Fanny beloved wife of the above who died March 11th 1927 aged 67 years ' Peace perfect peace' also Pte E Smith M.M. and Bar 11th Sherwood Foresters , youngest son of the above, killed in action August 18th 1918 aged 27 years , interred in Italy.
