RUSSELL SYLVIAN SMITH
From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG” https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730
As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570
Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.
Image from the Evening Star – 16th November 1941
Born: 1921, Ipswich.
Died: 4 pm, 2nd September 1941; age 20; Acute Meningitis whilst on board ship.
Residence: 38, Alexandra Road, Ipswich.
Employed: at the Borough Treasurer’s office, and was known by many tenants of Council housing estates, having acted as rent collector.
Rank: Signaller/Gunner; Service Number: 911799.
Regiment: Royal Artillery, 67 Medium Regiment.
Memorial Reference:
Panel 3. Column 3.
Woking,
Surrey.
Relatives Notified & Address: Youngest son of William A. Smith & Daisy M. Smith, of Ipswich.
Father: William Archibald Smith, born July 1888, Ipswich. A Turner & Fitter – Sugar Factory.
Mother: Daisy May Smith (nee Rush), born July 1892, Ipswich.
CENSUS
1921 38, Alexandra Road, Ipswich.
Russell was 2 months old and lived with his parents and brother.
William Smith, 32 years & 11 months old, a Tool Turner for Messrs. Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies – Engineers.
Daisy Smith, 28 years & 11 months old, Home Duties.
William James Smith, at School, born 1914, Ipswich.
1 visitor – Herbert Goffin, 53 years & 6 months, a Baker for Redruff and Starkings – Bakers and Confectioners, of Luton, Bedfordshire, born Ipswich.
Russell was educated at Northgate School. He won his cap at Rugby and was vice-captain of the XV, afterwards playing for the Y.M.C.A. and Orwell Works teams.
Note:
Extract from Taffy’s War; The Story of Prisoner No 259175:-
September 2nd 1941
There was a very sad occasion on board when one of the lads, Russell Smith, who joined the TA with us, died suddenly from acute meningitis. Quite terrible. He had been talking to us at 2 pm, then collapsed a few minutes later while going up on deck and died at 4 pm.
September 3rd 1941
Russell was buried at sea today; the battery signalers acting as bearers and mourners. He was only 20 years old, which made it all the more sad for us.
Extra information courtesy of Jane Bradburn.
One Comment
Extract from Taffy’s War; The Story of Prisoner No 259175
September 2nd 1941
There was a very sad occasion on board when one of the lads, Russell Smith, who joined the TA with us, died suddenly from acute meningitis. Quite terrible. He had been talking to us at 2pm, then collapsed a few minutes later while going up on deck and died at 4pm.
September 3rd 1941
Russell buried at sea today; the battery signallers acting as bearers and mourners. He was only 20 years old which made it all the more sad for us.