1914 TRIO to 2974 PTE / CPL William Charles SMITH 2nd RIFLE BRIGADE. Born Islington. To France 7/11/14. Deserted 10/5/15 until 20/1/16 & sentenced to 6 months detention. Posted 1st Rifle Brigade & promoted Corporal. KIA 9/4/17 at Arras - ON SALE

2974 PTE C.SMITH 2/RIF.BRIG. (on 1914 Star)

2974 CPL W.C.SMITH RIF.BRIG. (on pair)

William Charles Smith

Born Islington, Middlesex 1890

Lived in Holloway, London N

To France 7/11/14 with 2nd Rifle Brigade

Deserted 10/5/15

After 7 months he was apprehended & taken into Civil Custody 20/1/16

Tried by District Court Martial 3/2/16 & sentenced to 6 months detention

Posted to 1st Rifle Brigade 20/4/16

On the first day of the Somme the 1st Rifle Brigade attacked the Quadrilateral & Redan Ridge 1/7/16

No doubt because of the casualties sustained, but still rather surprisingly, he was promoted to paid Corporal the following day 2/7/16

KIA F&F 9/4/17 & is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France

With copy of his Medal Index Card & 22 page Digital File of his Soldiers Papers plus SDGW & CWGC details

Condition: Display mounted GVF