Ernest Abraham Smith

Born: August 1882

Died: 2 March 1917

Rank and Regiment: Private 41582 in the Essex Regiment

Resting Place: body unrecovered

Memorial: St. Peter’s, Reymerston, United Kingdom and; Thiepval Memorial, France

Ernest was born in Reymerston in August 1882, the son of Abraham Smith an agricultural labourer and Harriet (nee Hilling). He was one of six sons and five sisters. His father Abraham died in June 1898 leaving his mother a widow. Harriet died in 1911.

He enlisted as a Private in the Norfolk regiment (5478) and was later transferred to the 1st battalion Essex Regiment (41582). He died in France on 2nd March 1917. His effects of £4 13s 3d were shared between his brothers, sisters, niece and nephew, the niece receiving 6s. 8d and her brother 6s. 7d., as the amount of Ernest’s effects . His war gratuity of £3 was paid to his brother Walter.

His name is listed on the Thiepval Memorial as his body was not recovered for burial (Pier and Face 10D). Ernest’s brother Isaac also served in the Great War, but returned home safely.

Thiepval Memorial, France