Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
One of 14 children, 5 sons, 8 daughters, 1 gender unknown, of whom by 1911 only 11 had survived, he was youngest of his brothers. His father Christopher Smith originated from Leeming, Yorkshire, born 1833. At the age of 18 he was still living with his parents in Yorkshire but having migrated alone to the north east, he settled in County Durham, and married in 1857, in the district of Durham, to Elizabeth Halliday born 1837, setting-up home next door to her parents in the hamlet of Wall Nook, Esh, County Durham. Christopher was employed as a coal miner, he and Elizabeth by 1861 had 3 children, Ann (3), William (2) and 1-month old Margaret. Daughters Hannah 1863, Mary Jane 1865, Elizabeth 1867, Christopher Jnr 1869 and Joseph 1871 were born at Lowside, Esh. Christopher Snr was still the only breadwinner, William (12), Margaret (10) and Hannah (8), attended school. Ten years later William had joined his father at the colliery employed as a blacksmith, his wife had also given birth to a further 4 children Emma 1873, Robert 1877, Alice 1879 and Leonard in 1881. Their youngest known child, Christiana was born in 1883. The Smith family remained at Langley Park, Esh for the next 20 years, William had married by 1891 and left the family home, Christopher Smith Snr was joined as a coal miner by Christopher Jnr (22), Joseph (20), and 14-year-old Robert. Other than his father Leonard was the only other male remaining in the household by 1901. They supported Elizabeth, wife and mother, Christiana (18) and granddaughter/niece Elizabeth (15).
Christopher Smith Snr died in 1908 at the age of 75. His widow Elizabeth in 1911 was living in 4 rooms at 20 Hill Top, Ushaw Moor, County Durham not only with Leonard but also her married daughter Emma Crawford, husband Morgan and grandchildren Christopher, Francis, Margaret Mary and Harold. Elizabeth Smith died July 29th 1912 aged 75 years.
Leonard Smith enlisted at Ushaw in 1914 assigned as Rifleman R/5545 to the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, 13th Battalion. At Halton Park they came under the orders of the 63rd Brigade, 21st Division, November 14th 1914 they moved to billets in Amersham and Great Missenden for the winter. In April 1915 they went on to Windmill Hill, Salisbury Plain for final training and transferred to the 111th Brigade, 37th Division. July 31st they crossed to France, landing at Boulogne, marched across France and were sent into reserve at the Battle of Loos, September 26th 1916, despite this they suffered heavy losses. The Battles of the Somme commenced July 1st 1916, the division did not see major action until the Battle of Morval, September 25th-28th, capturing Geudecourt. In 1917 they participated during the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, the Arras Offensive, the Third Battle of Ypres and the Cambrai Operations. When the Germans attacked again on the Somme, March 28th 1918 they were moved to the northern sector in action during the Battles of the Lys, Battle of Aisne, The Somme, the Battle of the Hindenburg Line and the Final Advance to Victory.
Rifleman R/5545 Leonard Smith King’s Royal Rifles Corps was wounded in the line of duty during the Battle of Lyse, exact date unknown, which raged from April 7th-28th 1918. Evacuated back through the lines by the Field Ambulance to the 3rd Canadian Stationary Hospital at Doullens, he succumbed to wounds sustained, April 26th 1918 and was interred at Doullens Communal Cemetery Extension No.1, grave VI. B. 78. He was 38 years of age and single. Awards 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
His sister Emma Crawford of 25, Lilian Terrace, Langley Park, Co Durham, organised and paid for an additional inscription to be added to his military headstone, it reads, “Rest In Peace”. All monies due to him as per his wishes were to be divided amongst nominated members of his family, nephews Isaac and Lancelot Bell, niece Elizabeth Bates and his sister Mrs Edith MacCourt. Only Lancelot Bell could not be traced.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Leonard Smith is remembered at Esh Laude on E73.01
