Thomas Ernest's Story.
Thomas Ernest Smith was born on 22nd June 1893 to parents Joseph, a gas fitter, and Clara. At the time of his birth the family were living at 2, Neston Street, Birkenhead. By 1901 they had moved to 39, Vulcan Street, Birkenhead and Thomas had three brothers.The 1911 census reveals that Thomas, now an apprentice riveter in a shipyard, was still living with his family who had moved to 125. Old Bidston Road. In addition to his three brothers Thomas now had a sister.
The spring of 1916 saw a series of significant events for Thomas. He married Lillian May Johnson in March 1916 but only one month later on 17th April 1916 he was called up to the Army, where he posted to the 2nd Battalion South Lancashire Regiment. At the time Thomas and his wife were living at 44, Elmswood Road. Then another month later, on the 21st May, his son Leonard Victor was born (named after one of his brothers).
On the 25th July 1916 Thomas and his comrades arrived in France. His battalion was at that time engaged in the Battle of the Somme, which had been raging since the 1st July.
Private Thomas Ernest Smith was killed in action on the 30th September 1916. The regimental war diaries outline the events that led to Thomas’ death, when they were ordered to relieve units of the 11th Division in the front line; the diary records - ‘Relief completed about 5pm when relieved units withdrew. No casualties during actual relief but later but later the following were sustained - Killed 2nd Lt Cottrell and 7 other ranks. Wounded, 18 other ranks. During the relief the troops in position on our right opened an attack on the enemy’s trenches and the relief was much harassed by enemy’s fire - This explains the casualties mentioned above.’
Thomas Smith’s body was never recovered or identified therefore he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
Thomas' brother Leonard Victor Smith 10399 was killed in action on or around 16th November 1914.
Research by Chris Booth.