Capt Arthur de Bells Adam (MC)
1885 - 1916

CPL David Wallace Crawford
1887 - 1916

Lce-Corpl John Joseph Nickle
1894 - 1916

Pte 17911 Morton Neill
1897 - 1916

Lieut Edward Stanley Ashcroft
1883 - 1918

Pte 51398 William Smith

Age: 25
From: Chorlton-on-Medlock
Regiment: LABOUR CORPS
Died on Wednesday 20th November 1918
Commemorated at: Mont Huon Cem Le Treport
Panel Ref: IX.A.9B

William Smith was born in Chorlton on Medlock in about 1893, the son of John William Smith. He had brothers Jack and Ted,and sisters Emily, Daisy, Rose, and Ethel. His father was a plate layer.

Shortly before he was conscripted, on 05th March 1917, William married Edith Martha Hunt in St. Matthew's Church, Ardwick, giving his age as 24, his address as 1 Theodore Street, and his occupation as labourer.

He served with the 20th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 75289 later transferring to the 86th Company Labour Corps as Private 51398.

William died of pneumonia at 2nd Canadian General Hospital on 20th November 1918, aged 25 and now rests at Mont Huon Cemetery, Le Treport in France at Plot IX.A.9B.

During the First World War, Le Treport was an important hospital centre and by July 1916, the town contained three general hospitals (the 3rd, 16th and 2nd Canadian), No.3 Convalescent Depot and Lady Murray's B.R.C.S. Hospital. The 7th Canadian, 47th and 16th USA General Hospitals arrived later, but all of the hospitals had closed by March 1919. As the original military cemetery at Le Treport filled, it became necessary to use the new site at Mont Huon. There are now 2,128 Commonwealth burials of the First World War in the cemetery and seven from the Second World War. The cemetery also contains more than 200 German war graves. The cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield.

His headstone bears the Eagle and Child crest of the Liverpool Pals and his Pals service number and bears the poignant epitaph:

"SWEET BE YOUR REST MY HUSBAND DEAR 'TIS SWEET TO BREATHE HIS NAME".

CWGC lists William as Private 75289, 20th Bn K.L.R.

His loved ones placed notices in the Manchester Evening News on 16th December 1918. His family was apparently informed that his death had occurred on 19th November:

“In proud and loving memory of my dear husband (Willie), Private W. Smith 51398, who died in France November 19, 1918, of pneumonia.

Friends are friends if they be true

But I lost my best friend when I lost you.

Only those who have lost a loved one know the bitterness of the word “gone”.

From his sorrowing Wife Edie, 15 Milton Street, C-on-M.”

“In loving memory of our dear son, Private W. Smith (Billy), died in France November 19, 1918, of pneumonia, aged 25 years.

We have lost him, we who loved him,

And, like others, must be brave,

For we know that he lies sleeping

In a British hero’s grave.

From his sorrowing Mother, Father, and Brother Jack (serving), 1 Theodore Street, Ardwick, Manchester.”

“In loving memory of my dear brother, Private W. Smith 51398, died in France of pneumonia, Nov. 19, 1918. Deeply regretted by his loving sister Emily, Roland, and Nephews, 104 Earle Street, Longsight.

There is a link death cannot sever,

Love and remembrance last forever.”

“In loving memory of our dear brother, Private W. Smith, 51398. Sadly missed by his brother Ted (Dis), Nellie and children, 1, Nelson Street, Ardwick.

With aching hearts we shook his hand,

Tears glistened in our eyes,

We wished him luck but never thought

It was his last good-bye.”

“In loving memory of Private W. Smith, 51398, died in France of pneumonia, November 19, 1918.

One of the best God could lend,

A loving brother and a faithful friend.

From his loving sister Daisy and Bob, 1 Theodore Street, Ardwick.”

“In loving memory of my dear brother, Private W. Smith, 51398, died in France, November 19, 1918. Loving memories last forever. From his loving sister Rose and Joe (in France), 1, Theodore Street, Ardwick.”

“In loving memory of our dear nephew, Private W. Smith, died of pneumonia following influenza in France, November 19, 1918. We prayed so hard for his return but God knew best. Aunt and Uncle - 15 Milton Street.”

“In loving memory of my dear cousin (Willie), Pte. W. Smith, 51398, died of pneumonia in France, Nov. 19. So sad, so true, we cannot tell why, the best are the first who are called on to die. Deeply regretted by his loving cousins Dolly and Jessie, 15, Milton Street.”

“In loving memory of our dear brother and nephew, Pte. W. Smith, 51398, who died on November 19, 1918, of pneumonia in France. Deeply regretted by his loving sister Ethel and brother-in-law Joe, also Aunt Lucy and Uncle George.”

His widow Edith, living at 15 Milton Street, Chorlton on Medlock, received William’s effects, including a War Gratuity of £9-10s, and a pension of 13/9d a week.

We currently have no further information on William Smith, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.

Killed On This Day.

(109 Years this day)
Monday 20th November 1916.
L/Cpl 53141 Ernest Ambrose Rogers
21 years old

(108 Years this day)
Tuesday 20th November 1917.
Pte 55689 Joseph Bennett Williams
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(108 Years this day)
Tuesday 20th November 1917.
Serjeant 16756 Harold Wilson
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(108 Years this day)
Tuesday 20th November 1917.
Pte 71211 Thomas Hall
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(108 Years this day)
Tuesday 20th November 1917.
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19 years old

(107 Years this day)
Wednesday 20th November 1918.
Cpl 22984 John Dwyer
29 years old

(107 Years this day)
Wednesday 20th November 1918.
Pte 51398 William Smith
25 years old