William Smith

Forename(s):
William

Surname:
Smith

Initial(s):
W

Service Number:
24372

Rank:
Company Sergeant Major (Acting)

Regiment:
Northumberland Fusiliers, 12th /13th (Service) Battalion

Died:
25/10/1918

Aged:
28

Buried:
Cross Roads Cemetery

Service History:
Enlisted at Amble, Northumberland.

Background:
Born about 1891, at Widdrington, Morpeth, Northumberland, the son of William Smith (b. about 1862; at Chatham, Kent; a Coal Miner Hewer), by his wife Mary E. (Polly; b. about 1864; at Amble).

The 1911 Census records Qilliam & Polly having been married for 26 years during which time they had nine children, eight of who, then, were still living. The family had three rooms at 60, Hartside Terrace, Chevington Drift.

Smith was the oldest of five children still living with their parents. There were three sisters - Margaret (b. about 1895; at Togston, Northumberland); Eliza Gardner (b. about 1902; at Amble); & Eleanor Eclipse (b. about 1906; at Chevington Drift) - & one brother, Samuel David (b. about 1900; at Amble). A granddaughter, Mary (b. 1909; at Chevington Drift) was also staying with William & Polly on the day of the Census.

Two older siblings were already making their own ways in life - James (b. about 1885; at Amble; in 1901, a Coal Miner Hewer); & Annie J. (b. about 1887; at Harton, Jarrow, County Durham).

Pre-enlistment occupation: Coal Miner Hewer.

Husband of Elizabeth E. Smith, of 1, Long Row, Widdrington Colliery.

Local Memorial:
Radcliffe War Memorial East Chevington Institute (Source: For Institute, newmp.org.uk)