No.17296, Private, Robert SMITH
Aged 19
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Robert Smith was born in Buxhall (4th qtr 1875 Stow 4a:538) son of Robert and Susan SMITH(née PEARL)
1881 census...Aged 5, he was in Hitcham with his father Robert SMITH [59]; mother Susannah [42]; brothers Thomas [11], Frederick [8] ; sisters Alice J [14] and Elizabeth (2 months]. Fredrick, Robert and Elizabeth were born in Buxjall,the rest in Hitcham. 1891 census...Aged 15, farm labourer, he was at Brettenham Road, Hitcham with his parents; brothers Thomas and Frederick; sisters Alice and Elizabeth and niece Lily [5] born Hitcham. He married Eliza Ann JACOBS [25-5-1871] in 1897. Their sons were William Charles [21-8-1901] and Ernest Herbert [23-2-1904]. Kate and Robert junior were too old for pension rights. 1901 census...Aged 25, he was horseman on farm at Cottage, Primrose Mount, Hitcham with his wife Eliza [27] born Bildeston, daughters Lena Smith JACOBS [6] born Bildeston and Kate [3] born Hitcham; son Robert [1] born Hitcham. 1911 census...Aged 35, horseman on farm, he was at Old Bloxhall Cottages, Hitcham with his wife Eliza, daughter Kate [14], sons Robert [11], William [9] and Ernest [7]. The children all born in Hitcham. No connection with Chevington has been found, so hopefully I do at least have the right soldier |
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He enlisted in Bury St.Edmunds
As the Germans have not recorded where or when they found Robert, there is no way of saying exactly where or when he was wounded. His battalion were resting near Poperinghe in the Ypres salient immediately before his death.
click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
