Wilfred Smith

Private. 300136. 1/6th Battalion. Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment.

Born 1879.

Son of Hannah Smith

Married to Carrie.

Father of Winifred b. 1906 and Fran Clifford b. 1908.

Address: 15 Church Street, Golcar.

Occupation: Weaver at Joseph Hoyle & Sons, Prospect Mills, Longwood.

Joined the army in September 1916.

Died of wounds: 18th March 1918.

Aged 39.

Buried at Polygon Wood Cemetery. Belgium. Row H. Grave 12.

Mrs Smith received news of her husband's death on Wednesday 27th March. A letter from his captain said that at about 3pm on that day Private Smith was severely wounded, and died shortly afterwards. "He was quite conscious all the time and spoke continually of you and the kiddies. All the company is expressing their deep sympathy. Words cannot describe your husband's courage after he was wounded."

Wilfred was sent to France on New Year's Day 1917, and had been home on leave at the beginning of 1918. He was a member of Golcar Socialist Club and attended Parkwood United Methodist Church.