Mexborough and Swinton Times July 14, 1917
Fighting for Freedom
Patriotic Wombwell family
Mr and Mrs John Smith, 40 Queen St, New Scarborough, Wombwell, formerly of 35, Church Street, Thurnscoe, are represented in the army by four sons and a son-in-law.
One the sons is Sgt D Smith (York and Lancaster) (above left) 19 Doncaster Rd, Goldthorpe, who enlisted in October 1914, in his now engaged upon instructional duties in France. He was some time ago erroneously reported killed in action. He is 29 years of age.
Cpl J W Smith (York and Lancaster) , (above right) aged 37, of 9 Chapel Street, Stairfoot, is a married man, with eight children. He enlisted in April 1915, and went 1st to Egypt, and then to France, where is now serving.
Driver E Smith (R.F.A.)(bottom left) who enlisted in May 1915 and went to France in January 1970, has been blown up by a shell, but has recovered. He is 21 and single.
Sgt W Smith (R.F.A.), (bottom right) 72 Carlton Road, South Elmsall is a married man aged 27. He enlisted at Easter 1915 and went to France in December 1915.
The son-in-law, Private Hufton (York and Lancaster) 36, George Street, Highgate, Goldthorpe, has been serving since August 1914, being formerly employed at Hickleton Main. He went to France in July 1915, and since been three times gassed. He was discharged from the Army in March 1916 owing to disease. He is 23 years of age.
Sgt D Smith, writing home to give his family an assurance that he is not dead as reported says:
“The Germans are not to blame for the report been untrue”
Lt WJ Smith, writing to Mr and Mrs Smith to express regret for the unnecessary pain caused by the report of their son’s death says:
“I don’t know how it happened. Perhaps poor Mr Lucas, who was badly shaken by the shell that killed the Sgt Smith of B company, put the wrong Smith down. Perhaps you are Mrs Smith can forgive me, as owing to the late operations I have at least 30 letters of a similar nature to write, and I have been much upset.”
