Mar 18, 1875

Born at Halifax Yorkshire England 

Father’s name Walter Smith

Jun 1, 1911

The 1911 Census shows him living at Belleville Ontario with his wife Alice and son Jack

Jun 28, 1912

Joined the 14^th Regiment, Princess of Wales’ Own Rifles at Kingston Ontario and was assigned to the Brass Band

Mar 8, 1916

Attested into the 156^th Battalion at Brockville Ontario 

Ø      Number 639831

Ø      Next of kin given as Mrs Alice Smith (wife) of 43 Wall St, Brockville Ontario

Ø      Previous occupation given as Porter

o       Later recorded as Gardener

Ø      Previous military experience given as 5 years with the 4^th West Riding Regiment in Yorkshire England and 3 years with the Princess of Wales’ Own Rifles at Kingston Ontario

Ø      Religion given as Church of England 

On enlistment he stated that he had 1 son, Jack Howard Smith, age 14 years

May 27, 1916

Promoted to the provisional rank of Corporal

Oct 18, 1916

Embarked the SS Northland at Halifax Nova Scotia

The embarkation roll shows his rank as being Private.  There is no entry in the file to indicate when he reverted from the rank of Cpl

Oct 28, 1916

Disembarked at Liverpool England

Nov 1, 1916

Transferred to the 119^th Battalion at Bramshott. 

While at Bramshott, his wife and son traveled to England and their address was changed to 36 Violet St, Halifax Yorkshire England

Jan 9, 1917

Transferred back to the 156^th Battalion at Witley 

For the following year, the Battalion trained in preparation for being deployed to France as part of the 5^th Canadian Division

Feb 28, 1918

When the 5^th Canadian Division was broken up he was transferred to the 21^st Battalion

Mar 1, 1918

Arrived at #2 CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) at Etaples France

Mar 3, 1918

Arrived at the CC Rein C (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp) at Calonne Ricouart

Mar 8, 1918

Awarded the Good Conduct Badge

Mar 15, 1918

Joined the 21^st Battalion in billets at Gouy Servins as part of a draft of 105 Reinforcements, and was assigned to No 3 Platoon of “A” Company

Aug 8, 1918

The 21^st Battalion was involved in an attack at Marcelcave and suffered heavy losses, including their Commanding Officer, L/Col EW Jones, DSO, who was killed when he was struck in the chest by a machine gun bullet.  For acts of bravery during this attack, it was recommended that Pte Smith be awarded the Military Medal

Aug 15, 1918

While the Battalion was moving to the rear after being relieved from the front lines, they came under a heavy barrage of German gas and high explosive artillery shells.  Pte Smith suffered severely from the effects of poisonous gas and was admitted to the No 11 CFA (Canadian Field Ambulance).  He was transferred the same day to No 47 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station) for treatment.

Aug 16, 1918

Transferred via No 24 AT (Ambulance Train)

Aug 17, 1918

Admitted to the No 3 Stationary Hospital

Aug 20, 1918

Transferred to No 72 General Hospital at Trouville

Aug 26, 1918

Transferred to No 15 Convalescent Depot at Trouville

Oct 2, 1918

Discharged to Base Details

Oct 5, 1918

Arrived at 2 CIBD and posted to “A” Company for those recovering from wounds and illness

Nov 11, 1918

Arrived at the CC Rein C at Aubin St Vaast

Nov 14, 1918

Rejoined the 21^st Battalion at Mesvin, on the outskirts of Mons Belgium 

On joining the Battalion he was re-assigned from “A” Company to the Brass Band

Jan 24, 1919

Awarded the Military Medal per London Gazette #31142

This was for his acts of bravery during the attack at Marcelcave on August 8, 1918. 

Jan 25, 1919

Granted 14 days leave

Feb 20, 1919

Rejoined the Battalion from leave

Mar 25, 1919

Proceeded to England and posted to the EORD (Eastern Ontario Regimental Depot)

May 7, 1919

On Command to the 1^st CDD (Canadian Discharge Depot) at Buxton pending return to Canada

Jun 21, 1919

Embarked the RMS Scandinavian at Liverpool with his wife Alice and son Jack

Posted to the Quebec Depot Clearing Services Command

Jul 1, 1919

Disembarked at Quebec City, Quebec

Jul 2, 1919

Discharged from the CEF at Quebec City 

Ø      War Service Badge Class “A” issued number 132332

Ø      Rank on discharge Private

Ø      Proposed residence on discharge GPO Gananoque Ontario 

Although the date isn’t recorded in the file, the British War Medal and Victory Medals were sent to him at 212 King St, Kingston Ontario.  This would most likely have happened in 1921 or early 1922

Sep 27, 1919

His Military Medal was sent to him on this date

Jan 8, 1959

Died at the Westminster Hospital, London Ontario