9th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (British Army)
Date Of Birth:
26/05/1897
Died:
21/11/1916 (Killed in Action)
Age:
19
Summary
William T Smith was the son of Thomas and Jane Smith. He was born on 26th May 1897 in Carnteel, Aughnacloy, County Tyrone. He was one of seven children, five surviving, all born in the Aughnacloy area. William Smith enlisted in Aughnacloy with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Private William Smith was killed in action in France on 21st November 1916. He was 19 years old.
Further Information
William T Smith was the son of Thomas and Jane Smith. Thomas Smith and Jane Kyle were married on 11th November 1890 in the district of Dungannon.
William Smith was born on 26th May 1897 in Carnteel, Aughnacloy, County Tyrone. He was one of seven children, five surviving, all born in the Aughnacloy area.
Family: Thomas Smith, Jane Smith, John Smith (born 24th September 1891), Anne Smith (born 1st September 1893), Mabel Smith (born 15th August 1895), William Smith (born 26th May 1897), Edward Victor Smith (born about 1900), George Smith (born 13th May 1903, died 22nd January 1907, age 3), Sarah Smith (born 29th December 1905, died 30th December 1908, age 3).
The 1901 census lists William as age 3 living with his family at house 24 in Back Street, Aughnacloy, Tyrone. Thomas Smith was a labourer.
The 1911 census lists William as age 13 living with his family at house 1 in Milltown Road, Aughnacloy, County Tyrone. His father was a railway labourer. William was still at school.
William Smith enlisted in Aughnacloy with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Private William Smith arrived in France with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on 5th October 1915.
By late 1916, his father was sexton of Aughnacloy Presbyterian Church.
Private William Smith was killed in action in France on 21st November 1916. A shell fell in the trench where he and two comrades were standing, and they were all three killed instantly. He was 19 years old.
From the Tyrone Courier dated 7 December 1916:
Mr Thomas Smith, sexton of Aughnacloy Presbyterian Church, has received intimation that his son, Private W T Smith, Inniskilling Fusiliers, was killed in action on 21st November.
Letter from Lieutenant Colonel A Ricardo dated 22nd November 1916:
Dear Sir, I am very sorry to have to tell you that your son, (No 17555) Private W Smith, was killed in the trenches last night. A shell fell in the trench where he and two comrades were standing, and they were all three killed instantly. Your boy did not suffer. He was buried today in the British Soldier’s Cemetery, just behind the line and his resting place will be marked by a wooden cross. Your boy has been with the battalion, almost since the beginning, and has always shown himself to be a very gallant soldier. He will be much missed by his comrades. He borne himself bravely for many months int the trenches in front of the enemy, and has performed his duties as a faithful and brave soldier to the last. Please accept the sincere sympathy of all ranks in your bereavement. Yours sincerely, Lieutenant Colonel A Ricardo
Letter from Chaplain J G Paton dated 22nd November 1916:
Dear Mrs Smith, I am sorry to have to tell you that your son, (No 17555) Private W Smith, 9th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was killed yesterday by a trench mortar. I understand he and two comrades were in a dugout near to two officers. The trench mortar fell amongst them, killing all three men and wounding both officers – one of them seriously. I conducted the funeral service in a quiet little cemetery behind the lines. There were a lot of your boy’s comrades there to do him honour, and they told me he was a good boy and a fine soldier. I was speaking to his colonel who expressed his sorrow and deep sympathy with you and yours in this sore bereavement. Indeed, you have the heartfelt sympathy of all the officers and men of the battalion. I pray Almighty God will comfort you at this time. You asnd your son have made the supreme sacrifice for King and country and no man can do more. Your boy’s belongings will be sent to you as soon as possible. With deepest sympathy, J G Paton, Presbyterian Chaplain.
Letter from Lieutenant A B Douglas dated 26th November 1916:
Dear Mrs Smith, I have only now had the opportunity of writing to convey to you my deepest sympathy for the death of you son Willie. He was my servant for the last four months, and during that time I had great regard and affection for him. He was always so willing, plucky and cheerful. I was not actually present when he was killed, but can assure you his death was absolutely instantaneous. Beyond his pay book, in which was hill will, no personal effects were found on his body. He was buried in a cemetery behind the lines on the day following, and a cross indicated his grave. He did his duty. Believe me, yours sincerely, Lieutenant A B Douglas.
Last Will and Testament of William T Smith:
In the event of my death, I give the whole of my property to my mother, Mrs Jennie Smith, Church Lane, Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone, Ireland. 17555. Private William Thomas Smith, 9th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, B.E.F. 25th July 1916.
Private William Smith is buried in Pond Farm Cemetery, south west of Ypres in Belgium.
Private William Smith is commemorated locally on the WWI Roll of Honour in Aughnacloy Presbyterian Church.
The CWGC record Private William Smith as the son of Thomas and Jane Smith, of Caledon Street, Aughnacloy, County Tyrone.
