Alvin SMITH

15 September 1916

ADDINGHAM [sic] – THE LATE PRIVATE W. R. SMITH

Sympathy to Mrs. Smith from the Lothersdale lads at the front is expressed in the following letter received last Tuesday morning:–

10th Platoon
‘C’ Company
Duke of Wellington Regiment
British Expeditionary Force
France
September 8th 1916

“Dear Mrs. Smith – I write to express my very deepest sympathy in your great loss. I had intended writing sooner, but have not had the opportunity. I was very sorry indeed when the news reached me that Willie had been killed. I had been looking forward to the time when all we Lothersdale lads would get home together safely and sound. If it is any consolation to you, and I think it will be, Willie died a noble death, fighting for his King and Country. We here are all very sorry for what has happened to him, but we are still proud of him. I saw Francis [Francis John Kay] and Alvin [Alvin Smith] the other night and together we agreed to send to you our deepest sympathy. I have seen Tommy (deceased’s brother) a few times since we came out of the trenches and he is looking fairly well under the circumstances. Of course, he feels his loss very much, but is taking it very bravely so I hope you will. It is very hard indeed, but God knows and sees further than we can and does things for the best. We don’t know what the future has in store for us here, but we are asking God to bring us safely home and I have faith that He will do so. With very deepest sympathy.

“I remain, very sincerely yours, GEO. ELVEY RIDDIOUGH”

13 October 1916

LOTHERSDALE MAN KILLED IN ACTION – PRIVATE ALVIN SMITH

On Monday morning Mr. Edmund Smith, Burlington Farm, received an official intimation that his eldest son Alvin, a private in the 1/7th West Riding Regiment, had been killed in action on Sunday, September 17th.

Private Smith was well known in the village and district, and highly esteemed by all who knew him. His younger brother John William joined the Colours soon after the declaration of war, but Alvin, who was his father’s right hand man on the farm, was not able to go until January of this year. He was a well-built youth, a pleasant and cheerful disposition and gave promise of becoming an excellent farmer.

He has made the ‘great sacrifice’ in his 21st year. He enlisted on the 29th January, the same day as Willie Smith, who was killed on July 7th. His loss is keenly felt by his parents, sisters and brother, and the sympathy of the whole village goes out to this bereaved family. A memorial service will be held in Lothersdale Church on Sunday morning, October 22nd.

21 September 1917

SMITH – In loving memory of Private Alvin Smith, Lothersdale, killed in action in France on September 17th 1916, aged 20 years.

He will answer no more the roll call,
Nor rush at the bugle sound;
But, Lord, when the roll in Heaven is called
May his name in the Book be found.

From all at home.

SMITH – In loving memory of Private Alvin Smith, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, killed in action in France, September 17th 1916, aged 20 years.

He left his home in perfect health,
He looked so young and brave;
We little thought how soon he would
Be laid in a hero’s grave.

No one knows the parting
Or what the parting costs,
But God in his great mercy
Has gained what you have lost.

The hardest part has yet to come
When the warriors all return,
And you miss among the cheering crowd
The face of your dear one.

From his loving friend, Lance-Corporal Stephen Bell.

20 September 1918

SMITH – In loving memory of our dear son, Private Alvin Smith, who was killed in France, September 17th, 1916.

He loved not war, but at his country’s call
He made the grand surrender, leaving all –
Friends, plans, ambitions, all the hope of years,
His willing hands will toil no more.

From all at home, Stansfield House, Lothersdale.

19 September 1919

SMITH – In loving memory of Pte. Alvin Smith, 1/7th Duke of Wellington’s Regt., who was killed in action September 17th, 1916.

He sleeps with England’s heroes
‘Neath the watchful care of God.

From all at home.

17 September 1920

SMITH – In loving memory of our dear son, Private Alvin Smith, who was killed in France, September 17th, 1916.

He loved not war, but at his country’s call
He made the grand surrender, leaving all –
Friends, plans, ambitions, all the hope of years.
His willing hands will toil no more.

From all at home, Stansfield House, Lothersdale.

16 September 1921

SMITH – In loving memory of our dear son, Private Alvin Smith, who was killed in France, September 17th, 1916.

He’s gone – the fair flower of our fireside,
Snatched away in the midst of his bloom;
But yet his sweet memory is with us still,
Though he’s laid in a cold silent tomb.

From all at home.