Soldier Record
Ernest J Smith
Contributed by: Mr Chris Beech, on 2008-11-11
| Rank | |
|---|---|
| First Name | Ernest J |
| Surname | Smith |
| Year of Birth | 1874 |
| Year of Death | 1915 |
| Regiment | King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry |
| Place of Wartime Residence | Pontefract, West Yorkshire |
Ernest J's Story
Major E J Smith was a career soldier serving with the 2nd Battalion KOYLI in the Far East, Hong Kong. He retired just before the war and joined up again at the out break of war. He was given the rank of Captain in the 7th Service Battalion KOYLI at Pontefract Barracks. After basic training the Battalion were sent to France, landing at Le Havre on Friday 23rd July 1915. They were immediately sent to the front line just south of Armentieres near to Bailleul. Over the next 6 months they were in and out of the front line around the towns of Laventie, Fleurbaix and Sailly sur la Lys. He was gazetted Major in the November but was hit by Shrapnel in Jay post on 27.12.15. He was moved to the Casualty Clearing Station at Merville but died of his wounds 12 hours later on 28.12.15. He is buried in Merville Commonwealth War Graves Cemetry.
Major E J Smith - War Diary
My Great Grandfather kept a diary for each day of the 6 months he was in France and I have done further research at the National Archives at Kew and in France using trench maps to pin point various locations.
No additional memories have been submitted