Ernest's Story.
Birkenhead News 04 November 1916Birkenhead Corporal Killed in Action.
“Such Men are Scarce.”
Corporal Ernie Smith was killed in action in France on October 13th, aged 21 years. He joined the Liverpool Regiment at the commencement of the war, and previously was a respected official of the Quaker Oats Company, Liverpool branch. He received his education at St. Saviour’s, Oxton, and was for many years a member of the choir. He was a well-known figure in local sporting circles, being a member of the Birkenhead Y.M.C.A. Football Club and Gymnasium, and also a Leasowe camper. In a letter to the Corporal’s parents, his Lieutenant writes:- “It was indeed a terrible blow to us all when your son was killed, and such men as him are indeed getting scarce now; he had such a splendid character, always displayed a supreme devotion to duty. Death was instantaneous, and I was wounded by the same shell.”
Corporal Smith, who resided with his parents at No. 26, Raffles Road, Birkenhead, was a grandson of Mr. W. Fowler, the well-known retired H.M. Customs official.
Newspaper article by Chris Booth.