4 Main Street, Crawcrook, Ryton on Tyne, Co. Durham.
Civilian Employment:
Bus driver.
How Died:
Died of wounds
Date of Death:
Wednesday 5th June 1940
Place of Death:
France
Battle/Campaign:
Locally Commemorated:
-
UK Commemorated:
-
Overseas Commemorated:
-
Buried:
St. Maxent Communal Cemetery, Somme, France.
Decoration and Medals:
1939-45 Star. War Medal.
Photographs:
1
Service Records:
No
Death Notice/Obituary:
Newcastle Evening Chronicle, In Memoriam; 5th June 1945.
Family Details:
Son of William and Ellenor Smith. Husband of Dora Smith, of 4 Main Street, Crawcrook, Ryton on Tyne, Co. Durham.
Two children: Billy and Pat.
Son in law of Mr and Mrs George Ingoe, of 4 Main Street, Crawcrook, Ryton on Tyne, Co. Durham.
Notes :
Pre war, John had spent two years serving with the Territorials. He was a well known sportsman in North East boxing circles, having fought at a ten stone weight. He fought regularly at St. James Boxing Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland.
John's father was formerly landlord of the Cross Inn, Ryton on Tyne, Co. Durham.
Having been wounded by a trench mortar shell, John died soon after and was laid to rest in the grounds of a large house that was being used as a field hospital. Company Sergeant Major E. Burns carried out the burial service.
Sources Used:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission Debt of Honour Register.
Army Roll of Honour, 1939-45.
