Harold Smoat 1/7th DLI Battalion
Son of William (an insurance superintendent) and Harriet Ellen Smoat (née Lawrance) of 46 Salmon Street, South Shields (in 1911) and 135 Smithdown Lane, Liverpool.
His father was born in Gateshead and was 52 in 1911. His mother was also born in Gateshead and was 51. They had been married for 31 years and had had nine children, seven still living. Their marriage was registered in Gateshead during the December quarter of 1879.
His mother died on 19 February 1918, aged 58. Her death was registered in South Shields.
Siblings (1911 ages): John Victor (16; born in South Shields (March q. 1895)), Edith (11; born in Jarrow (June q. 1899)) and Alfred Lawrence (9; born in Whitley Bay (Tynemouth, June q. 1902).
He was born in South Shields (December q. 1892). He resided at 34 Eleanor Street, South Shields (in September 1915) and worked at Whitburn Colliery. He enlisted in Sunderland. He arrived in France on the 19th April 1915 and was thus awarded the 1914-5 Star.
His photograph appeared in the ‘Gazette’ on Tuesday 14/09/1915.
Research: James Hoy Archive
He is remembered at South Shields on S86.100, S86.142 and S142.06
