Clarence John Smith

Clarence enlisted in Retford is buried in Poelcappple British Cemetery, Belgium. The Retford Times 16 November 1917 Pte C J Smith The above [see photo] is the latest photo of Pte C J Smith who death in action on October 20th were recorded last week. Until being called to the Colours on January 24th of this year, he assisted his father on the farm at Habblesthorpe and was drafted to France on the 24th June. The sad news was conveyed to Mr Smith in a letter from a Lieutenant of his regiment, who says:- “I am very sorry to say that your son, No. 40890 Pte Smith, C J, was killed in action on the 20th inst. A shell landed very close to his section and wounded and killed several of them. It is very hard on us to lose good men and harder still on you to have your son killed. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss. Your son died a soldiers death and bore all his trials as a soldier should.” Pte F Blow of the same regiment writes:- “I hope you will accept these few lines of sympathy as I and Clarence were always together and I missed him very much last night. I trust God will give you the strength to bear this sad news.” In the course of a letter his Corporal writes:- “I miss him more than all the other fellows as he was such a rattling good sort, very just but always willing to do his bit, no matter how hard or dangerous it was.”

Inscription on family headstone, St Martin's churchyard, North Leverton: 'In loving memory of Thomas Smith of Habblesthorpe who departed this life January 15th 1925 aged 68 years. Also of Mary, wife of the above, who departed this life January 18th 1933 aged 70 years. Also of Clarence John, eldest son of the above, who fell in action in Belgium, October 20th 1917 aged 23 years. Until the day dawn.'