Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
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7053   Rifleman Frederick John Smyth
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Dated added: 30/12/2015   Last updated: 09/12/2021
Personal Details
Regiment/Service: 7th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles (British Army)
Date Of Birth: 13/10/1890
Died: 05/10/1917 (Died of Wounds)
Age: 26
Summary      
Fredrick John Smyth was the son of Fredrick and Elizabeth Smyth. F Frederick Smyth was born on 13th October 1890 in Dungannon. He was one of seven children, four surviving. His father died when he was young. The family moved to live at Beersbridge Road, Belfast. Rifleman Fredrick John Smyth was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles when he was wounded in France. Rifleman Fred Smyth died of his wounds in France on Friday 5th October 1917.
Further Information
Fredrick John Smyth was the son of Fredrick and Elizabeth Smyth (nee Smart). They were married about 1887.
Frederick Smyth was born on 13th October 1890 in Dungannon. He was one of seven children, four surviving.
By 1892, the family had moved to Belfast.
Known family: Frederick Smyth, Elizabeth Smyth, May Smyth (born about 1890), Frederick Smyth (born 13th October 1890, Dungannon), Thomas Smyth (born 27th November 1892, Belfast), Madeline Smyth (born 20th November 1895, Belfast), Emma Smyth (born 25th December 1897, Belfast).
Frederick’s father died when he was young. There is a record of the death of a Frederick Smith in Belfast on 27th November 1900, aged 40.
The 1901 census lists Fred as age 10 living with the family at house 31 in Beersbridge Road, Ormeau, County Down. His mother was a widow. It seems his father had only recently died as the youngest of the children was only three years old.
The 1911 census lists Fredrick as age 20 living with the family at house 31 in Beersbridge Road, Ormeau, County Down. Fredrick worked as a general labourer. His mother was a ‘Char woman’.
Frederick Smyth enlisted in Holywood, Co Down. He was living in Belfast at the time.
Medal card
Rifleman Frederick John Smyth arrived in the Balkans with the Royal Irish Rifles on 18th October 1915.
Rifleman Frederick Smyth was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles when he was wounded in France.
Rifleman Fred Smyth died of his wounds in France on Friday 5th October 1917. He was 26 years old.
In his will, he left all to his mother, Elizabeth Smyth, who was living at 31 Beersbridge Road, Belfast.
Last Will and Testament of Fredrick Smyth:
In the event of my death, I give the whole of my property and effects to my mother, Mrs Elizabeth Smyth, 31 Beersbridge Road, Belfast. 7053 Rifleman F Smyth. 19th June 1917.
Rifleman Frederick Smyth is buried in Bucquoy Road Cemetery, south of Arras in France. His inscription reads: I.H.S. R.I.P.
The CWGC record Rifleman Frederick John Smyth as the son of Fredrick and Elizabeth Smyth of Belfast.
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GRONI References
TYPE - B:Birth M:Marriage D:Death | GRONI | SIBLING: brother or sister | NOTES: spelling inconsistencies, etc.
Date Type Surname First name Relationship GRONI Ref Notes
13/10/1890 B Smyth Frederick Casualty U/1890/112/1012/18/179 Smith, Smart
27/11/1892 B Smyth Thomas Sibling U/1892/57/1007/54/164 Smith, Smart
20/11/1895 B Smyth Madeline Sibling U/1896/57/1007/61/188 Smith, Surart
25/12/1897 B Smyth Emma Sibling U/1898/57/1007/65/192 Smith, Smart
27/11/1900 D Smyth Frederick Parent D/1900/57/1007/40/281 Smith, died age 40
References and Links
No Link Reference Map Doc
1 1901 Census lists Smyth Family Lists Fred as age 10 living with the family at house 31 in Beersbridge Road, Ormeau, Down
2 1911 Census lists Smyth Family Lists Fredrick as age 20 living with the family at house 31 in Beersbridge Road, Ormeau, Down
3 National Archives of Ireland Last Will and Testament of Frederick Smyth
4 National Archives UK Medal Card can be purchased here
5 War Graves Photographic Project Photo of Rifleman Frederick Smyth's headstone can be purchased here
Dungannon District's War Dead Acknowledgements 2015-2023