Sidney Smithson
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
It was in Lincolnshire, in the village of Blyton in 1887 that Sidney Smithson was born to William and Sarah. As a 14 year old, he was working as a yard boy for a farmer, being resident three doors away from the family home. 1911 saw him marrying Fanny Parnham from Ranskill. By now he was working as a bricklayer and shortly after his marriage was seen working at Askern Spa, Doncaster and in 1916 the couple had a daughter, Edith. When the time came, it became inevitable that he would have to join the forces and enlisted at Retford
Record s show that he initially he joined the Royal Engineers, number 50291, and at some stage was transferred to the Hampshire Regiment, 14th Battalion, number 41500. The 14th Battalion was disbanded at Haut Allaines (the Somme) on 23 February 1918 with the men being formed into two companies ( A and B ) of 17th Entrenching Battalion. A month later Private Sidney Smithson was reported missing, presumed killed which was confirmed correct on the 22nd March 1918. He was buried in the Arras Memorial. Pte Sidney Smithson Retford Times 4th Oct 1918 Mrs Smithson of High Street, Ranskill, has received information that her husband, Pte Sidney Smithson of the Entrenching Batt: Hampshire Regt died on the field March 21st or 22nd. He was drafted out to France last September and was transferred from the R. E. to the Hampshire Infantry, then to the Trench Mortar Battery and about five days before the March offensive he was transferred to th Entrenching Batt and was reported missing during March. Mrs Smithson had been very hopeful that she would hear from her husband and much sympathy is felt for her and her three young children in their great sorrow. Pte S Smithson was the brother of Mrs A Smithson, Post Office, Ranskill and son of Mr W Smithson, Blyton near Gainsborough.
Ranskill memorial book details:- Sidney Smithson – went to France 1917 – reported missing Mar 1918 – presumed killed Commemorated in Ranskill Church WW1 record book and Window 2. Research by Colin Dannatt
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