Henry (Harry) Joseph Smith

Brothers Henry Joseph Smith 1893 and George Stephen Smith 1897 were brought to our attention and we have investigated some history, mostly of Henry ‘Harry’ Smith. They were sons of Joseph Smith 1865 and Kate (nee Boorman) 1871. The boys were enlisted into the Buffs (Royal East Kent).

Henry (Harry) gave his life in Flanders in 1917 and is buried in Mazingarbe, Nord-Pas-de-Calais in Philosophe British Cemetery. George survived the war.

Henry Joseph Smith – Service Number G/9133 1st Battalion the Buffs, Died 8th July 1917 Aged 24.
Henry Joseph Smith known as Harry Smith enlisted into the Buffs (East Kent) Regiment having been called up in December 1915 at the age of 22. Harry was 5ft 10inches and lived in Appledore Heath. He fought in France and Flanders and was awarded the War and Victory Medal.

Private Harry Smith gave his occupation as farm labourer and underwent his medical examination in Canterbury in January 1916. Harry’s casualty form indicates that he was injured in June 1916 and returned to duty in October 1916 before being killed in action the following year in July 1917.

It seems that Harry’s mother re-married such that by the time of Harry’s living relatives statement issued in August 1919 (next two images), her name was Kate Russell. At that time Harry had two brothers (Joseph and George Smith), two sisters (Eve and Mabel Smith) and a half sister all living at Mill House (Little ??)

At the time of Harry’s belongings being returned to his mother, in 1918, by then called Kate Russell, she was living in Ramsden Cottage, Ebony. Harry’s mother was sent a memorial plaque in 1920.

Harry is remembered on the wooden roll of honour in St Peter and St Paul Appledore.