Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Ferguson Smith was born February 1882 in Stocksfield, Northumberland the eldest son and one of 8 children, 5 boys and 3 girls, born to Alexander Smith, born 1856 of Belmont, Durham and his wife Elizabeth born 1860. Alexander worked as a miner as did all the male members of the family. Ferguson at the age of 20 was head of the family his father having died in 1902 at the age of 46. He was living with them at 5 Dale Terrace, Roddymoor, working as a coal miner labourer below ground at Roddymoor Colliery owned by Pease & Partners Limited. He continued to be employed there and by 1911 was working as a hewer.
At the age of 33, April 7th 1915, Ferguson enlisted for the duration of the war as Private 17665, “A” Company, East Yorkshire Regiment at Crook. He underwent training in England embarking with his Regiment May 31st 1916 arriving in the field June 23rd assigned to the 8th Battalion, 8th Brigade, 3rd Division. Preparation was already underway for the Battles of the Somme. The 3rd Division was involved on the first day of battle, July 1st participating in the Battle of Albert July 1st-13th 1916, the Battle of Bazentin Ridge July 14th-17th and the Battle of Delville Wood July 15th-September 3rd 1916, they remained on the Western Front for the duration of the war. Briefly admitted to the 7th Ambulance Clearing Station December 30th 1916 Ferguson was suffering from scabies, he was back on duty January 6th 1917 joining the Battalion now in Ribeaucourt. “A” and “B” Company were billeted in the village, Ferguson in “C” Company was at Lanches about a mile away. Late February they were sent to Arras to the front line trenches which were in a terrible condition due to the melting snow during the day and the frost at night. They remained during the Battles of Arras and in April were in defence of Brown Line. April 29th 1917 Private Ferguson Smith 17665 East Yorkshire Regiment was one of several casualties that day due to hostile shelling. The Battalion sustained one officer killed, one wounded and three men killed. Ferguson is interred at Feuchy Chapel British Cemetery, Wancourt, Pas de Calais, France, grave I. D. 39, he was aged 35 and single. He is one of the original 249 burials made at the cemetery then enlarged after Armistice when a further 834 graves were brought in from the surrounding battlefields. His awards of the British War Medal, Victory Medal and all monies owed to him were sent to his mother Elizabeth living at 38, Church Hill, Crook.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Ferguson Smith is remembered at Chilton on C107.01, C107.04, C107.12 and C107.14 (Darlington D40.039)
