In Orpington (All Saints) Churchyard Extension is the Commonwealth War Grave of 18919 Private Isaac Smith, serving with the 6th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment who died 24/09/1916.

The husband of Margaret Wilkinson (formerly Smith), of 4, West Row, Freehold, Leamside, Fence Houses, Co. Durham.

Ken Smith has submitted the following:

I am the grandson of Isaac Smith Private 18919 6th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment who was born in Sherburn Hill; died of his wounds 24/09/1916 in Kent Military Hospital, Orpington, and buried in Orpington’s war graves. He was shot in the left calf and rear pelvis suffering acute peritonitis in 10 places. He was wounded at Flessells, Somme. The inscription name of ‘J’ is no doubt my grandfather, as I have records showing he was listed in Orpington as ‘J’, and this is later crossed out, and the initial ‘I’ inserted on two documents. The local history group have no record of a J. Smith.

Isaac did his initial training at Belton House, Lincs. They embarked on 3rd July 1915 to Mudros, and saw action at Suvla Bay on 6th/7th August 1915. In December 1915 they sailed to Egypt and took over Suez defences. In June 1916 they moved to France. Flessells was the Divisional Headquarters on 7th July. On 27th July they were in action on the front line. I was informed by my relatives that Isaac was carrying a wounded soldier when he was shot (his wounds confirm).

Soldiers Died in the Great War also confirms the name as Isaac Smith.

Isaac Smith is remembered as “J. Smith” in West Rainton on W113.02 and W113.05