Have You a Tiger In Your Family?

Rank : Corporal

Army Number : 2596

Unit : 2/5th Bn

Biography :

Served with the 2/5th Bn during World War One. Enlisted at Oakham, Rutland. Home address given as Luffenham, Rutland. Died 18.11.1916. He is buried at Fermoy Military Cemetery, Republic of Ireland.

Further Info: According to Ancestry.com, he was born in 1882 in Edith Weston to David and Hannah Smith and had 6 brothers - they are also listed in the Parish of St John (which is where the memorial is). Bertie married Annie Louise and had a little boy called Cyril Bertie Smith. They lived in Oakham where he was employed as a joiner. According to records, he was in Ireland just after the Easter Rising and drowned whilst collecting stores - see attached regimental pages on the incident.

See also Private Hedley Wilkens Jewell.

CWGC:

Rank: Corporal
Service No: 2596
Date of Death: 18/11/1916
Regiment/Service: Leicestershire Regiment 2nd/5th Bn
Grave Reference: Screen Wall.
Cemetery: FERMOY MILITARY CEMETERY

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Letter from Maj Gen Cmndg 59 Division, Headquarters, Curragh Camp - 25th November 1916:

To: Mr H S Daniels JP - Fermoy

Sir, I have read with much satisfaction a report on your courageous action on the evening of 17th November 1916 at Fermoy, when you endeavoured to assist Corpl. Smith and Pte Jewell of the 2/5th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment who were in great danger on account of very heavy floods washing past the bridge over the River Blackwater with a Government Horse and Cart.

It is a matter of regret that the lives of two soldiers were not saved, but this does not distract in any way from your action, and I desire on behalf of the military authorities, to thank you very cordially for your courageous attempt to help them in their difficulties at the risk of your own life.

I am, Sir,

Your obedient Servant

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Date of Death : 18.11.1916

Period of Service : 1910s

Conflicts : WW1

Places Served : & & Ireland