World War 1
Search the known records to date of those lost from the wider Alnwick area in World War 1
Generally showing where they are commemorated, when they died and some basic facts about each person. There are gaps, however, so if you can fill in any missing details do please contact us.
Luke Robson Smailes
Forename(s):
Luke Robson
Surname:
Smailes
Initial(s):
L R
Service Number:
669664
Rank:
Private
Regiment:
Canadian Expeditionary Force, 75th Battalion (1st Central Ontario Regiment)
Died:
10/06/1917
Aged:
29
Buried:
Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery
Service History:
Smailes's Attestation papers (including his physical description) are available online via Ancestry.co.uk. They are dated 8 February 1916, record his address as 78, Marshmount Road, Toronto.
Followed his brother Robert & cousin John William enlisting with the Canadian Expeditionary Force, initially with the 166th Overseas Battalion.
Died (of wounds received), at No. 7 General Hospital, St. Omer, France.
Background:
Born on 12 September 1887, at Craster, Northumberland, the son of Robert (b. about 1854; a Quarry Labourer) & Jane Robson Smailes (also b. about 1854), of 18, South Craster, Lesbury, Northumberland.
In 1911 Smailes was still living at home with his parents, elder sister Mary (b. about 1885), younger brother Robert (b. about 1892), & an 11 years-old grandson of his parents, Robert Smailes Sutcliffe. All of the family were born at Craster except for the grandson who was born at Rennington, Northumberland.
Two other older sisters are recorded in the 1891 Census - Agnes (b. about 1879) & Elizabeth G. (b. about 1881). The 1911 Census reveals Robert & Jane Robson Smailes had 4 of 6 children still living.
At the time, Smailes was a Motor Driver carrying stone from local quarries to nearby railway stations.
Unmarried.
Emigrated to Canada in 1912, sailing on 30 August from Liverpool to Quebec aboard Allan Line's ship 'Victorian'.
Pre-enlistment occupation: Milkman.
(Source: Ancestry.co.uk/)
One of two sons lost: see, also, Private Robert Smailes (Regimental service #172001; Canadian Motor Machine Gun Brigade, Eaton's Machine Gun Battery; Died 7 October 1916).
Their cousin, Corporal John William Smailes (Regimental service #192339; Canadian Infantry, 42nd Battalion) also fell when serving with the CEF, on 30 September 1918.
Local Memorial:
Craster War Memorial, St. Peter the Fisherman Church
Embleton, Memorial Cross in Spitalford Cemetery
(Source: For Embleton, newmp.org.uk)
