Albert Smith was born at Dovaston, Shropshire in 1895. He was the second son of George and Elizabeth Smith. He had 4 siblings – elder brother Alfred (also a victim of the war), and younger brother George, b. 1900, Annie, b. 1901 and William, b. 1903. In 1901 the family were living at Haughton, West Felton. Their father worked as a cattleman; he died in 1903. By 1911 their mother had moved to Grimpo. At this time Albert was working as an apprentice butcher for John Lloyd, a farmer and butcher at Manor House Farm, West Felton. Also living and working at the Farm was brother Alfred; he was a farm labourer.

Albert married in 1915 to Annie Tudor – Albert was related by marriage to Private 6953 Percy Phillips – Percy’s brother, Robert Phillips, married Albert’s wife’s sister, Martha Tudor, in 1903. Annie’s daughter from her second marriage said that her mother always kept in touch with Albert’s mother, who was known to her as Granny Smith. Albert’s sister was Annie’s daughter’s godmother.

The two brothers enlisted together at Oswestry joining the 7 Bn King’s Shropshire Light Infantry – they have consecutive service numbers, Albert 19742 and Alfred 19743. They also had similar army careers. Albert spent time at base depot – he was not awarded the 1915 Star so did not go over to France until 1916. He served with 7 Bn KSLI and was awarded the  Military Medal  in July 1917 when 7 Bn KSLI were in action on the Somme. He spent a second period at the base depot. He had possibly been wounded, before being posted to 1 Bn KSLI on returning to France.

Albert died of wounds at 47 CCS, Brie. on 25 September 1918. Over the 24-25 September the 1 Bn KSLI was in the thick of the fighting, attacking the Hindenburg Line around Fresnoy le Petit, to the north of St Quentin. They were involved in capturing a German strong point known as the Quadrilateral. Casualties for the 2 days were 2 officers and 12 ORs killed, as well as 4 officers and 64 ORs wounded. Albert is buried at Brie British Cemetery. He is also commemorated on the war memorial at Holy Trinity Church, Oswestry.

Albert and Alfred died on the same day – 25 September 1918. Both served in 1 Bn KSLI and became casualties during the same action. Also KIA at the action were –

Private 12273 Frank E Jordan, 1 Bn King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. KIA 24 September 1918, Chapelle British Cemetery, Holnon

Acknowledgements.special references / sources (Mrs G Croft, Rugeley)

References and Sources

END