Reuben's Story.
Birkenhead News. 18 October 1916Gallant Cheshire Soldier Killed.
One of Three Brothers.
News has been received to the effect that Pte. Reuben Smith, son of Mr. And Mrs. Frank Smith, Old Bidston Road, has been killed in action. The following letter has been received from Pte. Smith’s officer, Capt. R. W. Mills :- “It is with deep regret that I have to inform you of your brother’s death. Your brother, who was servant to Lieut. Harding, was killed by a shell whilst asleep in a dug-out with Lieut. Harding, the latter escaping very luckily with only a severe shock. This occurred on the night of the 31st August. Your brother is buried in a cemetery just near M———. I can honestly assure you that his death was a severe blow to his company and also to all the men in the Battalion, as your brother was greatly esteemed and liked by all ranks of the regiment for his general behaviour and his disposition. In, conclusion, I sincerely sympathise with his parents and relatives, as I feel for them in their deep sorrow.
Pte. Reuben Smith, who was only 21 years of age, was attached to the Cheshire Regt. Mr. And Mrs. Smith have two other sons serving with the colours, and who joined up on the outbreak of war. Sapper Norman Smith, who is 25 years of age, is attached to the Inland Water Transport, Royal Engineers. In pre-war days Sapper Smith resided with his wife at 13, Flint Street. Pte. G. Smith, although now only 20 years of age, saw active service in the Dardanelles campaign, and was invalided home. He is also attached to the Cheshire Regt., and in private life lived with his brother, Sapper N. Smith. All three soldiers are “old boys” of St. Annes’s School.
Reuben's brother, Sapper Norman Smith
Reuben Smith and Norman Smith’s photograph and newspaper article by Chris Booth