Alfred Smith was born at Dovaston, Shropshire in 1895. He was the first son of George and Elizabeth Smith. He had 4 siblings – next youngest brother Albert was 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 Alfred was working as a farm labourer for John Lloyd, a farmer and butcher at Manor House Farm, West Felton. Also living and working at the farm was brother Albert; he as an apprentice butcher. Alfred married Charlotte, her surname, name and the date are not known.

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. Alfred 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, was possibly wounded and was then posted to 1 Bn KSLI.

Alfred is listed as having died of wounds on 25 September 1918. Over the 24-25 September the 1 Bn KSLI was in the thick of the fighting around Fresnoy le Petit, to the north of St Quentin, against a strong point in the German line 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. Alfred likely died in the forward area before evacuation; he was buried near to Fresnoy le Petit on the battleground and was re-interred after the war at Chapelle British Cemetery, Holnon. His body was identified by his ID Disc. Alfred 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 was –

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