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General => Armed Forces => World War One => Topic started by: Chadwi on Saturday 10 September 16 08:02 BST (UK)

Title: Herbert Ernest Smith, QMS, Royal Field Artillery
Post by: Chadwi on Saturday 10 September 16 08:02 BST (UK)

I would be grateful for any help tracking this man.

He is Herbert Ernest Smith, born 1880 in Paignton, Devon, the son of a policeman. He had served in the Royal Artillery and was discharged in 1914. He then rejoined (possibly later that year) and soon received the rank of Quarter-master Sergeant. He died in Exeter hospital in January 1916. CWGC records list his wife as Henrietta G Smith of Oak Bridge, Sidbury, Sidmouth, Devon.

I suspect his wife's maiden name may have been Browne (by virtue of birth registrations I have found) but I can't find any records of a marriage; I can't find either of them in the 1901 or 1911 censuses but this could be due to his army postings at this time. She may have died in 1951. I cannot find any obituaries for either of them.

My main interest is finding out about any elements of his army service and the circumstances of his death: I'm am researching him to pay tribute as he is listed on the Lustleigh war memorial.

Title: Re: Herbert Ernest Smith, QMS, Royal Field Artillery
Post by: rosie99 on Saturday 10 September 16 08:12 BST (UK)

1901 RG13/ Piece/1686 f94 p15
Herbert Smith 21 yr old soldier born Paignton Single in Shoeburyness Barracks

Title: Re: Herbert Ernest Smith, QMS, Royal Field Artillery
Post by: Chadwi on Saturday 10 September 16 09:44 BST (UK)

Excellent find, rosie99. Many thanks

Title: Re: Herbert Ernest Smith, QMS, Royal Field Artillery
Post by: MaxD on Saturday 10 September 16 11:38 BST (UK)

Soldiers Effects has his number as 16400 and his unit (when he died) as 7 Reserve Battery Royal Field Artillery.

I find no service record.  No medal record either but then reserve batteries didn't serve overseas and the only reference (Long Long Trail) I can find to where they were is in 1918 in Preston.

Title: Re: Herbert Ernest Smith, QMS, Royal Field Artillery
Post by: jim1 on Saturday 10 September 16 13:39 BST (UK)

This looks like his death:
March 1916
Smith  Herbert E  aged 36  Exeter  5b 112
It depends on whether you want to go down the road of buying the cert.
I can't find the war diary which isn't unusual for home service Brigades.

Title: Re: Herbert Ernest Smith, QMS, Royal Field Artillery
Post by: Chadwi on Saturday 10 September 16 16:26 BST (UK)

Thanks Jim1,

That looks like my man. Unfortunately, as this is a community project, I just don't have the funds for certificates and the like. But then, I'm not sure the death certificate is going to reveal much new information anyway. However, I appreciate your post.

Title: Re: Herbert Ernest Smith, QMS, Royal Field Artillery
Post by: jim1 on Saturday 10 September 16 17:31 BST (UK)

It will give cause of death but you can't really keep buying certs. if you've got a complete Memorial to research.

Title: Re: Herbert Ernest Smith, QMS, Royal Field Artillery
Post by: km1971 on Sunday 11 September 16 01:59 BST (UK)

Being only 36 there may have been an inquest. You could try the local newspaper archive for an obituary.

Ken

Title: Re: Herbert Ernest Smith, QMS, Royal Field Artillery
Post by: Chadwi on Sunday 11 September 16 07:38 BST (UK)

Yes, Ken - a trip to the microfiche reader in the record office is my next port of call. Thanks