WILLIAM SMITH 

William's Story.

Birkenhead News  04 May 1918

THIRD BROTHER MAKES THE GREAT SACRIFICE

Mrs. Smith, Bowling Green Cottages, near Heswall, has received word from the War Office that her husband Lance-Corpl. W. Smith, South Lancashire Regt. died of wounds on April 4^th, whilst fighting in France. Lance-Corporal Smith joined the Army in August 1914, and had been in France two years. He was one of four brothers who joined up, three of whom have laid down their lives for their country. In addition, their only sister, Mrs. Campbell, of Pollhill Road, has lost her husband, Pte. Peter Campbell, Grenadier Guards. Their only surviving brother, Private Charles Smith, is being granted an extra leave by his captain on account of the family’s noble record. Lance-Corpl. Smith before the war was in the employ of Messrs. McAlpine and Co. By all who knew him he was highly respected. His personal friends are sorry to hear of his death, and to the wife, three children, mother and family, the deepest sympathy is extended in their heavy loss.

The above report is reproduced word for word and reports his death as April 4^th, however William’s service record and Commonwealth War Graves database records his death as April 11^th.