Private 41280 James Edgar Smith

Died of Wounds on Sunday, 9th September 1917, age 23.
Buried in Grave I. C. 32. at Zuydcoote Military Cemetery, Nord, France.

15th Bn., Highland Light Infantry (1st Glasgow). 97th Brigade of 32nd Division.
Formerly 23935 South Staffordshire Regiment.

Son of William Henry and Lucy Smith, of Canal Company House, James Bridge, Darlaston, Wednesbury.
Born: Tipton, Enlisted: West Bromwich, Resident: West Bromwich.

First landed France & Flanders, post 31st December 1915.
Medal entitlement: British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Soldier's Papers at National Archives did not survive.

Commemorated on the St. Paul's, Golds Hill Memorial.
Commemorated here because identified as Tipton on 'Soldiers Died in the Great War'.

Link to Commonwealth War Graves Site: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/617794/

Genealogical Data

Birth of James Edgar Smith registered December quarter 1893 in Dudley.

1901 Census
Bagnall Street, Golds Hill, West Bromwich, Staffs.
William H. Smith (45, Canal Company Foreman, born Birmingham), his wife Lucy (47, born Newcastle-upon-Tyne), and their 6 children: Lucy B. (20, Clerk to Canal Company, born Great Bridge), Joseph H. (18, Clerk to Canal Company, born Great Bridge), Charles H. (15, Clerk to Canal Company, born Great Bridge), Florence (12, born Great Bridge), John (9, born Great Bridge), and James (7, born Great Bridge).

1911 Census
Canal Villa, Golds Hill, West Bromwich, Staffs.
William Henry Smith (55, Canal Company Foreman, born Birmingham), his wife Lucy (58, born Newcastle-upon-Tyne), and 3 of their 9 surviving children of 10: Florence Gertrude (22, Dressmaker, born Golds Hill), John Albert (19, Clerk in Brass Works, born Golds Hill), and James Edgar (17, Clerk in Copper Works, born Golds Hill).

Personal Data

After James' death, his outstanding army pay and allowances amounted to 3/4/6d (3 pounds, 4 shillings and 6 pence); this was paid to his father, William H., in May 1918. His War Gratuity was £5/10/0d (5 pounds and 10 shillings), this was also paid to his father, William H., in November 1919. The value of the War Gratuity suggests that James had enlisted in approximately May 1915.

James' mother, Mrs Lucy Smith, was granted a Dependant's Pension of £0/10/0d (10 shillings) per week, effective from 19th March 1918. At this time, Lucy lived at 31 New Villas, Golds Hill, West Bromwich.

Action resulting in his death

Still to be researched. Contact me if required.

Newspaper Cuttings

None.