Private Ernest James Smith
| Date of Birth | 30 July 1899 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 19 |
| Date of Death | 21 September 1918 |
| Service Number | 43789 |
| Military Service | 2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment |
| Merton Address | 7 Douglas Cottages, Love Lane |
| Local Memorial | St. Mark's Church, Mitcham |
Additional Information
In April 1891, Job Smith, a gas fitter from Upper Stanton in Wiltshire, married Sarah Ann Allsop of Lower Stanton in Wiltshire.
Job and Sarah Ann had seven children – Beatrice Eleanor born 1892; Herbert Francis Joe born 1894; Arthur Augustus born 1896, Ernest James born 30 July 1899, Olive Kate born 1908; Ivy Irene born 1909 and Albert born 1911.
Ernest and his older siblings lived in Highworth, Swindon according to the 1901 census but Ernest was born in Bermondsey. The family moved to 7 Douglas Cottages, Love Lane, Mitcham by the mid-1900s and Olive, Ivy and Albert were all born in Mitcham.
Once he was old enough, Ernest went to Wimbledon to enlist. He served in the 2nd Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment as Private 43789.
Ernest was killed in action on 21 September 1918 and is buried in Unicorn Cemetery, Vendhuile, Aisne, France, Plot 1, Row A, Grave 9. His parents had “He loved honour more than he feared death” engraved on his headstone.
Ernest’s older brother Arthur also served in WW1 enlisting on 27 November 1914 as a Sapper 57325 in Royal Engineers 100 Field Company. He survived the war.