Walter's Story.
Birkenhead News 10 July 1915HIGHER BEBINGTON MOURNS.
Two Killed, several Wounded.
In the recent fighting around Hooge two Higher Bebington patriots have been killed, while several others have been wounded. Previous to the charge in which the Liverpool Scottish took part, the Cheshire Field Company, Royal Engineers (Birkenhead), were engaged cutting the barbed wire entanglements when a shell burst and severely wounded Private John Williams, who subsequently died of his injuries, and killed Sapper Walter Smith.
Sapper Walter Smith was the youngest son of Mr. and the late Mrs. Smith, and grandson of Mrs. Smith, of Mill Brow. Sapper Smith was killed by a rifle shot through the heart whilst standing on the parapet of a trench, death being instantaneous. From reports that have reached Higher Bebington it appears that he was brimful of pluck and courage which was, no doubt, in no small degree to what his death was due. Young Smith was always very popular with his fellows, and his death and that of Private Williams has cast a gloom over the village. Walter Smith had been in the Territorials for a number of years, and on the outbreak of war readily volunteered for active service. When at home he resided with his grandmother, who has about sixteen relatives – nephews, grandsons, and sons – serving their country. One grandson, Sapper Smith’s brother, was wounded at Mons, and is still in Birkenhead, stationed at Gamlin’s.