Cecil Owen Smith (SMI2570)

Basic Information

Unique reference:

SMI2570

Gender:

Male

Birth

Date of birth:

1898

Place of birth:

London

Death

Date of death:

2 Elul 5677 (20 August 1917)

Died in combat?:

Yes

Place of death:

Ypres

Cause of death:

Killed in Action

Burial place:

Ypres Reservoir Cemetery

1 of 2
Headstone
2 of 2
Book of Honour photo

Places

Addresses

Family home:

98, Lyncroft Mansions, Lyncroft Gardens, West Hampstead, London (1911)

2nd Lieut. Co. O. Smith

Capt M Balfour, R.F.A. writing to Mr Owen Smith (98 Lyncroft Gardens, Finchley Road) respecting the death of 2nd-Lieut C. O. Smith says: "Your son was killed by shell fire early this morning whilst returning from the fire line to the wagon line, after having delivered ammunition to the fire line. I cannot tell you how distressed I am. I liked him so very much; he seemed so keen and efficient and capable of commanding men and getting things done. He had only joined the Battery a few days, and our acquaintance was limited to my seing him at the fire line in the early morning, when he delivered ammunition. This he did admirably well and it was by no means an easy job. Several times I had remarked to my other officers how very favourably impressed I was by him, and how glad I was to have him in the Battery. I feel his death very keenly, especially after all our other losses. My very deepest sympathy goes out to you and all your family. He died a hero's death, and although he had only been out here a short time, he was very full of promise. I can only repeat that you have my warmest sympathy in your great loss."

Military Record

Military service:

Army

Military record no.:

153735

Date discharged/death:

20 August 1917

Rank at discharge/death:

Second Lieutenant

Assignments

Regiment:

Royal Horse Artillery

Regiment:

Royal Field Artillery

Battalion/unit:

36/33 Brigade

Campaigns:

Third Battle of Ypres

Medal card

Roll of Honour

C. O. SMITH, 20 August 1917

Contact the Author

Any messages sent via this facility are not the responsibility of the WWTT site and are simply passed onto the account holder’s contact and not stored here. Should the author choose to reply to you, all further contact made will not be transmitted through the site but independently through your own email or the details you leave here.

SEND MESSAGE

Contact the Author

Please note that the recipient will be provided with the email address linked to your account, and any response will not be transmitted through the site but independently through your own email.