Main CPGW Record
Surname: SMITH
Forename(s): Willie
Place of Birth: Cowling, Yorkshire
Service No: 265761
Rank: Private
Regiment / Corps / Service: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Battalion / Unit: 1/6th Battalion
Division: 49th (West Riding) Division
Age: ---
Date of Death: 1918-10-11
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: C. 19.
CWGC Cemetery: RAMILLIES BRITISH CEMETERY
CWGC Memorial: ---
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: COWLING, YORKSHIRE
Local War Memorial: SKIPTON, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
Willie Smith was the son of David and Mary Ann Smith, née Shuttleworth. Both parents were born at Cowling, Yorkshire.
1891 Cowling, Yorkshire Census: Providence - Willie Smith, aged 3 years, born Cowling, son of David and Mary Ann Smith.
1901 Cowling, Yorkshire Census: Sun Street - Willie Smith, aged 13 years, born Cowling, son of Mary Ann Smith, widow.
1911 Skipton, Yorkshire Census: 11, Ermysted Street - Willie Smith, aged 23 years, born Cowling, Yorkshire. [Willie was boarding with his sister, Martha Ann and brother-in-law, Tom Benson.]
Willie was married to Charlotte E. O'Neill in 1914.
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte Willie Smith, 2799 & 265761, 1/6th West Riding Regiment. Theatre of War first served in: 1 - France. Date of entry therein: 29 June 1915.
See 'View Additional Image(s)' for Private George William Gott (17994) – on the photograph of Cowling Hill Baptist Chapel there are two Willie Smiths shown (fourth row – from the back – second from right and front row first on left) neither of whom can be identified with certainty.
See also: ‘Guiseley Terriers: A Small Part in The Great War – A History of the 1/6th Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment’ by Stephen Barber (2018).
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, W., aged 30, West Riding Regt., 10, Union Terrace, Skipton, fatally wounded Oct. 11, 1918.
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Private Willie SMITH
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 49th (West Riding) Division
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View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
08 November 1918
MORE SKIPTON CASUALTIES – Private W. Smith, West Ridings
News also came to hand last weekend that Private W. Smith, West Riding Regiment, whose wife lives at 10 Union Terrace, Skipton, had died from a bullet wound in the chest received in action on October 11th. A native at Cowling, Private Smith before enlisting was a warp-dresser for Mr. Dixon at Firth Shed, Skipton, and was a member of the Church Institute Cricket Club and Conservative Club. We extend deep sympathy to the widow and child.
08 November 1918
COWLING – Memorial Service
At the Wesleyan Church, Ickornshaw, a memorial service was conducted on Sunday evening by Mr. Chas. Kitchin, of Keighley, to the memory of the late Mr. Shuttleworth (Croft House), Mr. J.W. Benson (Walton Street), and Private Willie Smith (Skipton), who has paid the supreme sacrifice in France, and who formerly attended the Church and Sunday School. Miss Hoyle sang a solo.
10 October 1919
SMITH – In loving remembrance of my dear husband, Pte. Willie Smith, of the 1/6th Duke of Wellington’s Regt. who died of wounds October 11th, 1918.
We often sit and think of him,
But make no outward show;
The heart that beats sincerely
Mourns silently and low.
From his loving Wife and Child (Raymond), 10 Union Terrace, Newtown, Skipton.
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
08 November 1918
Skipton Soldier Dies of Wounds
News has been received that Pte. W. Smith of the West Riding Regiment, husband of Mrs. Smith, of 10, Union Terrace, Skipton, has died as the result of a bullet wound received in action on the morning of October 11th. Pte. Smith, who was 30 years of age, was a native of Cowling, and enlisted about four years ago. He was formerly employed as a warpdresser by Mr. Dixon, manufacturer, Firth Shed, Skipton. He was also a playing member of Skipton Church Institute Cricket Club, and a member of the Conservative Club.
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