SMITH, Charles Sydney. PM. WW1. CWGC. Mentioned in Despatches, Military Cross.
Died 28/11/1918 Age 28, Belton Park Military Hospital, Grantham. Major, Machine Gun Corps, Service Number . Son of John Bywater Smith and Mary Anne Smith; husband of Beatrice Smith, of 3, Wheeldon Avenue, Derby.
Charles Sydney Smith was born in Nottingham in 1890. His father died when he was 7 years old and he moved to Derby with his mother and 4 siblings. In 1901 the family were living at 8 Highfield Road.
He attended Derby School.
In 1911 the family were still at Highfield Road and Charlie was assistant colliery manager at Gedling where he was a mining engineer.
Charles began his military career in the Nottingham University Officer Training Corps and on the outbreak of war received his commission in the Sherwood Foresters.
Lieutenant Charles Sydney Smith of the 13th Sherwood Foresters married Beatrice Slater on 1st June 1915. The marriage took place at St John’s Church, Derby.
In the army he took a special interest in gunnery and was machine gun officer to his battalion until he was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps on its formation in November 1915. He went to France as second in command of a machine gun company in March 1916, and took part in the first battle of the Somme. In October 1916 he was appointed commander of a company which took part in the heavy fighting in the latter stages of the battle of the Somme, and subsequently in the battles of Arras and Ypres. He was mentioned in despatches for distinguished service in the battle of Arras, and after the battle of Ypres was promoted to Major and recommended for the Military Cross for services in the field, bravery, and the handling of his men.
On his return to England, he was appointed as an instructor at the machine gun school at Harrowby.
In November 1918 after a long illness, he died from pneumonia following Spanish flu in Belton Park military hospital in Grantham.
His body was bought back to Derby by military escort, consisting of 6 officers of his own rank who acted as bearers, and many other brother officers, including the whole of his “course” from Harrowby. Full military honours were accorded, volleys were fired, and the “Last Post” sounded.
Charles and Beatrice had one son, Victor Sidney Smith, who was born after Charles died.
Charles is named on the Derby School WW1 grade 2 listed memorial which is a Portland stone obelisk located in the forecourt of St Helens House in Derby. It was unveiled in 1921.
Nottingham Road Cemetery Grave WKA3, 3872
We are grateful to Nigel Aspdin for supplying, and giving permission to use, family photos.
