| Description | Work completed by volunteer includes the following information:
Harold was born in Beverley in 1893, the son of William Smith and Rose (nee Bennison), William was employed as a cartman at the tannery. After leaving Minster Boys’ School, Harold went to work at the tannery as a labourer.
In Apr 1915 Harold enlisted in the East Yorkshire Regiment, and in Dec 1915 embarked for Egypt, they were subsequently transferred to France. The Beverley Guardian of 18 May 1918 reported that his parents had been advised that Harold had been missing since 12 Apr. This report also stated that there were four other sons serving at that time. A further report in the Beverley Guardian 24 Aug 1918, stated:
“Mr. W. Smith of 20 Cherry Tree Lane, Beverley, has received word that his fourth son Pte. Harold Smith, East Yorks, has died of wounds in German hands ……..”. This information had been sent on a prisoners of war postcard from Limburg by an officer in April, but it had obviously been delayed in transit. The officer, Second Lieutenant Palmer, wrote :
“He died without a murmur and in no pain: at the moment of his death he looked supremely happy.”
He was awarded the British War & Victory medals and the 15 Star, and is “Remembered with Honour” at the Outtersteene Communal Cemetery Extension, Bailleul. Of his four brothers who were also serving, John died in Nov 1918.
Includes photograph, information taken from census, military records, Commonwealth War Graves, newspapers |