In Bailleul Road West Cemetery, St. Laurent-Blangy, France is the Commonwealth War Grave of 40638 Private George Brown Smith serving with the 6th Battalion Kings Own Scottish Borderers who died 09/04/1917.

George Brown was the son of George and Mary Smith and was born in 1882 at Monkseaton.

In 1901 the family were living at Jarrow. Father George was a Joiner and his son George was a Clerk. In 1911 they were living at 28 Croft Terrace Jarrow and George Brown was a Municipal Rate Office Clerk.

An Accountant, he was Initiated on the 10th October 1913, Passed 29th April 1914 and Raised on the 27th May 1914 into St Bede 1119 Lodge of Freemasons at Jarrow.

George  enlisted at Jarrow became 31185 Private Smith with the Durham Light Infantry. He was later transferred to the 6th Battalion Kings Own Scottish Borderers.

He was killed in action on the 9th April 1917. He is buried in Bailleul Road West Cemetery St. Laurent-Blangy, France Grave Reference B.7.

Jarrow Express 11/05/1917 reports:-
Before commencing the business the Mayor referred to the death of Mr G.B. Smith late Senior Clerk in the office who had been killed in the recent fighting. He said they had been looking forward to Mr Smith coming back and resuming his duties. That hope had been shattered. He moved a letter of sympathy be sent from the council to the relatives. This was carried unanimously.

John Brown Smith is remembered at Jarrow on J2.25 and  J2.51 and in the Masonic Roll of Honour 1914-18 (London).