Main CPGW Record
Surname: SMITH
Forename(s): Richard
Place of Birth: Bentham, Yorkshire
Service No: 267076
Rank: L/Corporal
Regiment / Corps / Service: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Battalion / Unit: 5th Battalion
Division: 62nd (2/West Riding) Division
Age: ---
Date of Death: 1918-09-15
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: IV. C. 30.
CWGC Cemetery: HERMIES HILL BRITISH CEMETERY
CWGC Memorial: ---
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: CLAPHAM, YORKSHIRE
Local War Memorial: KEASDEN, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
Richard Smith was the son of George and Ellen Smith, née Mason and brother of Private William Smith (36731) (q.v.). Their father was born at Garstang, Lancashire and mother at High Bentham, Yorkshire.
1891 Bentham, Yorkshire Census: Mere Gill - Richard Smith, aged 3 years, born Bentham, son of George and Ellen Smith.
1901 Clapham-cum-Newby, Yorkshire Census: Turner Ford - Richard Smith, aged 13 years, born Bentham, Yorkshire, son of George and Ellen Smith.
1911 Clapham, Yorkshire Census: Waters Farm, Clapham Station - Dick Smith, aged 24 years, born Bentham, Yorkshire. [Richard was employed by William Hargreaves, Farmer.]
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte Richard Smith, 267076, W. Rid. R.
British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Pte Richard Smith, 267076, 2/5 W. Rid. R. K. in A. 15.9.18.
On the 30 January 1918, the 1/5th Bn Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment) was transferred from the 49th (West Riding) Division to the 62nd (2/West Riding) Division and absorbed the 2/5th Battalion becoming the 5th Battalion.
A short biography of Richard is included in: ‘Bentham’s Part in the Great War 1914-18’ by Allan and Marilyn Hartley (2019).
Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry
View Entry in CPGW BookEntry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:
SMITH, L.-Cpl. R., [Clapham], W.R.R., killed in action, Sept. 14, 1918.
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L/Corporal Richard SMITH
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 62nd (2/West Riding) Division
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View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
04 October 1918
ROLL OF HONOUR – DEATH OF LANCE CORPORAL R. SMITH
The sad tidings have been received by Miss Smith, of Turnerford, Keasden, relative to the death of her younger brother at the Western Front.
A letter was forwarded by Sec.-Lieut. Thos. A. Davenport, of the West Riding Regiment, who reports:– “It is with very great regret that I have to inform you that your brother, L. C. Smith, was killed in action on the 14th inst. He displayed great coolness and courage during the storming of the enemy positions on the 12th inst., and I was talking to him a few minutes before his death when he was in charge of a post whilst holding the captured position when a shell laid him low. It is with sad hearts that we mourn the loss of a bright and cheerful comrade and offer to you our deep sympathy at the loss of your brother, who was so dear to us all. I may say that his end was peaceful and he is now along with other fellow heroes.”
Lance Corporal Smith joined the ranks in March 1916, and was trained at Salisbury Plain and Bedford. Previous to that he was engaged in farming and was highly respected by a large circle of acquaintances. His elder brother, Private W. Smith, has been missing since last March.
12 September 1919
SMITH – In ever loving memory of our dear brother, Lance-Corporal Richard Smith, killed in action September 15th, 1918.
“He sleeps with England’s heroes
‘Neath the watchful care of God.”
From his loving Sisters, Maggie, Mabel and Florrie, Turner Ford, Clapham Station.
17 September 1920
SMITH – In loving memory of our dear brothers, Lance-Corporal Richard Smith, killed in action September 15th, 1918. Also Private William Smith, missing since March 22nd, 1918.
Only those who have lost,
Can understand war’s bitter cost.
Ever remembered by his loving sister and brother, Nellie and Arthur, 7 Seymour Buildings, Churchway, Euston Road, London N.W.1.
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