WILLIAM CHARLES SMITH

Born: 1876, Norton Canes, Brownhills, Staffordshire.

Died: 2nd February 1917; Age: 41; of Nephrotic. Served 19 years & 344 days.

Enlistment Details: Location: Hednesford, Staffordshire; Date: 25th August 1896 – joined 29th August 1896 – Seaforth, Lancashire; Age: 20 years & 5 months; Occupation: Miner; Religion: CofE. Next of Kin: Father – William John Smith, of 18, Chapel Street, Hazel Slade, Hednesford, Staffordshire. Height: 5ft 11 1/4ins, fair complexion, brown eyes & light brown hair.

Re-enlistment: 25th August 1912 – for 4 years – R.F.A., 50th Brigade, ‘D’ Battery.

Service:

Home: 25th August 1896 – 22nd February 1899

India: 23rd February 1899 – 12th August 1900

China: 13th August 1900 – 11th November 1901

India: 12th November 1901 – 16th December 1902

Home: 17th December 1902 – 9th May 1915

France: 10th May 1915 – 2nd April 1916

Home: 3rd April 1916 – 2nd August 1916.

Confirmed in rank – Sergeant – 10th April 1916.

Discharged – No longer physically fit for war service –  2nd August 1916 – 46, Parliament  Road, Ipswich.

Medical Board: 17th July 1916, originated 8 years ago at Ipswich. Swelling of limbs & face, general health poor, short of breath. Disability not caused by, not aggravated by service. Permanent not likely to improve.

Rank: Sergeant; Service Number: 16245;

Regiment: Royal Artillery.

Formerly 2nd Volunteer Battalion, South Stafford Regiment & 50th Brigade, ‘D’ Battery, R.F.A.

Medals Awarded: China 1900 without clasp.

Grave Reference:

Ipswich Old Cemetery,

Ipswich,

Suffolk.

CENSUS

1891   20, Cross Street, Hazel Slade, Rugeley, Staffordshire.

William was 14 years old, a Horse Groom. He was living with his parents & siblings.

William John Smith, 37, a Stationary Engine Driver, born Brownhills, Staffordshire.

Elizabeth Smith (nee Mansell), 31, born Bloxwich, Staffordshire.

Samuel Smith, 8, born Norton Canes.

Elizabeth A. Smith, 8, born Norton Canes.

Robert H. Smith, 5, born Norton Canes.

Charlotte E. Smith, 3, Norton Canes.

1911   46, Parliament Road, Ipswich.

William was 34, a Foundry Labourer – Engineering Works. He was married and Head of the Household.

Sarah, 28.

John, 5.

Florence, 7 months.

On the 22nd January 1905, at St. John the Baptist, Ipswich, William married Sarah Anna Woods, born 1883, Stowmarket, Suffolk. They had 3 children:

John Walter Smith, born October 1905, Ipswich.

William John Smith, born February 1907, Ipswich – died 1907, Ipswich.

Florence Alice Smith, born August 1910, Ipswich.

William is also remembered on St. John the Baptist church memorial, Ipswich.