Auckland Chronicle
Photo: Dorothy Hall
579860 Lance Corporal
J.T. Smith
K.O. Scottish Borderers
2nd January 1920 Age 23
Son of Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Smith, of Flatts View, Barnard Castle.
Peter Wise and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
John was born at Darlington in 1895 and later baptised August 21st 1895. His parents were Samuel and Elizabeth Ann (nee Appleby). They had 11 children together although 1 sadly died.
The 1901 census shows father, Samuel, worked as a fireman on railway engines. John’s siblings at that time were Lily, Samuel, Emma and Fred
Father, Samuel died early in 1911 before the census was taken. He was only 38 years old when he died. There had been several additions to the family since the last census including Alexander, Thomas, Frances, Eva and Hilda.
John worked as a mill hand at Ullathorne’s flax factory whilst the younger children were at school. The large family of 9 lived in 3 rooms in Galgate.
John enlisted December 10th 1915. Within quite a short time he had seen service in Egypt, the Dardanelles and France.
Although he served with the King’s Own Scottish Borderers he latterly was transferred to the Labour Corps possibly due to his ill health.
He was discharged from the service due to sickness on July 11th 1919. Particulars of his illness is not given. He was awarded a Silver War Badge number B254788.
John died at home 1st January 1920 ‘as the ultimate result of service in the war.’
His remains were interred with military honours at St Mary’s Cemetery, Barnard Castle, with over 200 people attending the service.
The Auckland and County Chronicle 08/01/1920 reports:
“The funeral of ex-Pte J.T. Smith took place in St.Mary’s Parish Cemetery, Barnard Castle, on Sunday afternoon. A firing party, in charge of Sergt.-Instr. A Travers, attended the obsequies, sounding the ‘Last Post’ and firing three volleys over the grave. The Rev. W.B. Blackett officiated. The deceased, while with the King;’s Own Sottish Border Regiment, had been gassed, but apparently recovered from the effects, when tuberculosis supervened.”
John Thomas Smith is remembered at Barnard Castle on B135.02, B135.23 and B135.25
