Joseph SMITH (1)

16 October 1914

SMITH – September 19th, killed in action at a place unknown in France, Joseph Smith, of Buckler Hill, Farnhill, aged 31 years.

16 October 1914

FARNHILL MAN KILLED IN FRANCE

The wife of Mr. J. Smith, a Reservist, of Farnhill, received official notification from the War Office that her husband had been killed in action in France, on Tuesday morning. Mr. Smith, who died on September 19th, was for the last two years on the Special Reserve. When he entered the army he was made a bandsman, serving in that capacity until his discharge, when he became a member of the Kildwick and District Brass Band. Prior to the outbreak of war, the deceased was in the employment of Sir John Horsfall, Hayfield, Glusburn, and at the commencement of hostilities he joined the forces at Halifax. On the 16th August he wrote home to say he was quite well and later a letter, dated September 27, was received by the wife of a soldier in the same regiment, residing at Sutton, stating that Smith was dead. Deceased leaves a wife and one child, for whom much sympathy is felt.

24 September 1915

SMITH – In loving memory of Bandsman Joseph Smith 6666, late of 15, Bucklar Hill, Farnhill, who was killed in action in France, September 19th, 1914, aged 31 years.

The blow was great, the shock severe,
We little thought his death so near;
And only those who love can tell,
The pain at not saying a last farewell.
From his loving Wife and Mother.

22 September 1916

SMITH – In loving memory of Bandsman Joseph Smith (West Riding Regiment) killed in action September 19th 1914.

He left his home in the flower of youth,
He looked so strong and brave;
We little thought how soon he’d be
Laid in a hero’s grave.
We often sit and think of him,
And think of how he died;
It seemed so hard for us to part
And never say good-bye.

Ever remembered by his Wife, Daughter and Mother, 15, Bucklar Hill, Farnhill.

05 January 1917

FARNHILL – IN MEMORY OF THE BRAVE

On Sunday a memorial service was held in the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Farnhill, for Pte. H. Walmsley (who death was recorded a fortnight ago in this paper), and for all who have given their lives for their country, especially for Joseph Green, Fred Dixon, Tom Allsop and Joseph Smith, who were old scholars of the Primitive Methodist Sunday School. The Rev. J.E. Woodfield preached a very touching sermon. There was a very large congregation, amongst whom were the members of the Volunteer Force under the command of Captain Alfred Clough, Sutton, members of the band, and a number of old scholars. An augmented choir sang the anthem ‘Our trust is in the Lord’ with great effect. Being the National Intercession Sunday, the prayers used were those provided on the form of service for the day. At the conclusion the ‘Last Post’ was sounded by Mr. Gordon Fowlds, a member of the Keighley Volunteer Force.

23 February 1917

FARNHILL – ROYAL NAVAL SEAMAN DAWSON’S DEATH

As briefly recorded in last Friday’s Herald, the news came to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Dawson, of Main Street, Farnhill on the 14th inst. that their son, Royal Naval Seaman Walter Dawson, had died of wounds received in action. Seaman Dawson joined the Royal Naval Division in November 1915, and went to France with a land section of the Naval Division in July 1916. He took part in the ‘big push’, being in the light trench mortar battery. He had his last leave eight months ago. He was a well-known local footballer, playing with the Kildwick Old Boys for a good number of years, and was also a playing member of the Sutton United Football Club in the season when the United won the cup and medals. Shortly after his arrival in London he took part in a football match, and at the close one of the officers tapped him on the shoulder and said: “If you fight as well as you play football you will make a grand sailor”. He was a weaving overlooker at Messrs. J. Woodrow and Sons, Standard Shed, prior to joining up, was twenty-four years of age, and was married whilst on his last leave.

Seaman Dawson was a member of the Kildwick Conservative Club, and the club flag was flown half-mast as a token of respect to his memory. He was a thorough sportsman and highly respected, and was possessed of a bright and cheerful disposition. He had been closely connected with Kildwick Church, and had been a Sunday School scholar and formerly a choirboy. His brother, Archie Dawson, is with the Portsmouth Naval Yacht patrol.

A service to the memory of A.B. Walton Dawson was held in St. Andrew’s Church, Kildwick on Sunday afternoon. There was a large congregation and the service, which was a very impressive one, was conducted by the Rev. C. E. V. Hodge, M.A. In the course of his sermon on the words “Good Master what shall I do to inherit Eternal Life?” the Vicar showed how the lads who had given their lives had been called upon to make the greatest sacrifice of all in the service of their country, to leave all and to follow Christ. The Vicar extended his heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved parents and family.

Special prayers of intercession were offered for the souls of all who had given their lives from this parish:– Joseph Green; Joseph Smith; Walter Dawson; Harry Walmsley

At the close of the service the ‘Last Post’ was sounded on the cornet by R. Inskip, and the Dead March in ‘Saul’ was played by Mr. G. Spencer, the organist.

21 September 1917

SMITH – In loving memory of Bandsman J. Smith, West Riding Regiment, killed in action in France, September 19th 1914.

We oft shed tears and think of him,
His name we often call;
But we have no one to answer us
But his dear loving face on the wall.

From his Wife, Daughter and Mother, 15, Buckler Hill, Farnhill.

20 September 1918

SMITH – In loving memory or Joseph Smith 6666, late Bandsman 1st Duke of Wellington’s, who was killed in action 19th September, 1914.

Not dead to those who loved him,
Not lost, but gone before;
He lives with us in memory still,
And will for evermore.

From Mother and Family, Buckler Hill, Farnhill.

30 May 1919

KILDWICK & FARNHILL – A Mons Hero

Mrs. J. Smith of Buckler Hill, Farnhill, widow of the late Pte. Joseph Smith, of the Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment, who was recalled to the Colours at the commencement of the war and paid the supreme sacrifice in the retreat from Mons, has this week received from the War Office the Mons Star which he earned, and also a letter of appreciation for the services rendered by him on that memorable occasion.