JOHN THOMAS SMITH

Born: 1892, St. Nicholas, Harwich, Essex.

Died: 15th February 1917; age 25; Died Angora.

Enlistment Location: Ipswich; Date: 11th March 1910; Age: 17 years & 4 months; Occupation: Labourer;  Religion: CofE. Height: 5ft 4 1/2ins, fresh complexion, blue eyes & brown hair. Lost from decay 4 teeth. 

A Character Reference sought on enlistment to the Suffolk 3rd’s, from John’s employer – Mr Gostling, a Tallow Chandler, at the Tallow Factory, Tanner’s Lane, Ipswich. He had known John for 7 years and had left this employment for Test Day with the army.

A Character Reference sought on joining the Norfolk 2nd’s, from Mr G. Mitchell, of 13, Athelston Road, Colchester, Essex, an Inspector of Dickinson’s Coffee. Mr Mitchell had employed John as a Coffee Bar Assistant for 3 years in the Coffee Bar, Ipswich. He had left this employment to join the army. 

Service: 21st April 1911 – 10th June 1911 – Musketry Training course.

19th January 1912 – Discharged in consequence of having joined the regular army – Norfolk Regiment on the 10th January 1912 – served 1 year & 315 days. John was 19 years & 3 months, a Grocer’s Assistant. Height: 5ft 5 1/2ins. Character: very good, honest, sober, reliable and willing.

 Date of Entry Therein: 15th November 1914 – Asia.

 Captured at Kut – 29th April 1916.

Rank: Private; Service Number: 8591

Regiment: Norfolk Regiment, 2nd Battalion.

Formerly Suffolk Regiment, 3rd Battalion.

Medals Awarded: Victory, British War & 1915 Star.

Grave Reference:

156.

Angora Memorial,

Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery,

Iraq.

CENSUS

1901   13, Mount Street, Ipswich.

John was 8 years old and living with his parents & siblings.

John Thomas Smith, 44, a Cooper, born Holton St. Peter, Suffolk.

Hannah Smith (nee Gipson), 44, born Halesworth, Suffolk.

Eliza Emma Smith, 14, born Halesworth.

Ellen Kate Smith, 4, born Harwich, Essex.

Harry Smith, 2, born Harwich.

1911   22, Tanner’s Lane, Ipswich.

John was 18 years old and living with his parents & siblings.

John, 54, a Generl Cooper – own account – at home.

Hannah, 54.

Ellen, 14.

Harry, 12.

 Norfolk Regiment, 2nd Battalion