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.
John William Smailes
Forename(s):
John William
Surname:
Smailes
Initial(s):
J W
Service Number:
192339
Rank:
Corporal
Regiment:
Canadian Expeditionary Force, 42nd Battalion
Died:
30/09/1918
Aged:
31
Buried:
Mill Switch British Cemetery, Tillor-les-Cambrai
Service History:
Smailes's Attestation Papers (including his physical description) are available online via Ancestry.co.uk. They are dated 13 August 1915.
They also reveal his previous service with 48th Highlanders (4 months). He enlisted initially with the 92nd Overseas Battalion (Highlanders).
Enlisted on the same day as his cousin, Robert Smailes (died of wounds received, 7 October 1916). Robert's brother, Luke Robson Smailes also served, & fell, with the CEF (died of wounds received, 10 June 1917).
Background:
Born on 2 October 1888, at Craster, Northumberland, the son of John A. & Jane Smailes, of North Craster, Lesbury, Northumberland.
Unmarried.
Pre-enlistment occupation: Driver (City Dairy)
Local Memorial:
Craster War Memorial, St. Peter the Fisherman Church
Embleton, Memorial Cross in Spitalford Cemetery
(Source: For Embleton, newmp.org.uk)