Born: 1888, Ipswich.
Died: 20th July 1916; KiA.
Enlistment Location: Ipswich.
Date of Entry Therein: 12th November 1914.
Rank: Private; Service Number: 15558
Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 2nd Battalion.
Medals Awarded: Victory & British War.
Grave Reference:
Pier & Face 1C & 2A.
Somme,
France.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of the late William & Jane Smith.
CENSUS
1891 70, Rope Walk, Ipswich.
Ernest was 3 years old and living with his parents & siblings.
William Smith, 38, a Labourer – Flour Mill, born Hadleigh, Suffolk.
Jane Smith (nee Standing), 35, born Ipswich.
Jane Smith, 15, a Sail Cloth Maker, born Ipswich.
William Smith, 12, born Ipswich.
Frederick Smith, 11, born Ipswich.
Florence Smith, 8, born Ipswich.
Ellen Smith, 7, born Ipswich.
Lily Smith, 4, born Ipswich.
Thomas Smith, 4 months, born Ipswich.
1901 Trafalgar Buildings, Shire Yard, Ipswich.
Ernest was 13 years old and living with his widowed father, siblings, maternal grandmother, unlce & niece.
William, 46, a Labourer – Oil Mill.
Jane, 24, a Tailoress.
Florence, 20, a General Servant.
Nellie, 18, a Stay Lacing.
Lily, 14.
Tommy, 11.
Carrie Smith, 9, born Ipswich.
Carrie Standing, 70, born Ipswich.
Frederick Standing, 30, a Quay Labourer, born Ipswich.
Rose Smith, 3, born Ipswich.
Ernest’s mother, Jane Smith, died 1899, Ipswich.
Day 19 of the Somme offensive
2nd Battalion The Suffolk’s regimental records show: On the afternoon the Germans counter-attacked, forcing their way with fine courage but at great cost into Delville Wood and northern end of Longueval, which troops of the third division had just cleared. In consequence, two companies were sent up to Longueval ridge to support the attack of the 1st Gordon Highlanders on Longueval, the remainder of the Battalion moving from the wood into Caterpiller Valley itself, where they were persistently shelled.
Early on the 19th Captain and adjutant Trollope and Lt. Pickard-Cambridge were wounded, 2nd Lt Russell taking over the duties of adjutant. Throughout the time of stress captain Marshall R.A.M.C medical officer to the battalion always proved himself equal to the occasion, being subsequently awarded the D.S.O in recognition of his splendid service. On the 20th the battalion assembled for the renewed attack on Longueval and Delville Wood. The casualties were to be high.
Suffolk Regiment, 2nd Battalion:
Suffolk Regiment battalion movements
Suffolk regiment website
Friends of The Suffolk Regiment
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