SMART W H

We are currently unable to identify this casualty on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission or Soldiers Died in the Great War websites though several W Smarts are listed.

On 21st February, 1873 a William Henry Smart was baptised in Martley, son of John and Anne Smart but sadly this child died and was buried in Martley Churchyard on 7th September, 1873.  John Smart died in 1880 and the 1881 census lists Ann Smart as a widow with three children Annie, Fanny and George.

In 1901 there are no Smarts listed in Martley.

A William Smart entered Martley School from the Union Workhouse on 6th January 1908 along with 3 other children from the Workhouse.  His date of birth is shown as 1895 and all 3 children have Richard Steer of the Union Workhouse listed as their guardian.  He left school on 11th June 1909 due to being ‘over age’ and no further details have been found.

It is possible that W H Smart served in the Boer War (as is the case with Isaac Threlfell) and his name was added to the memorial. On close inspection the lettering of his name is different to and not parallel with the others listed.

Further to Eve Fraser’s research:
A W.H. Smart, Private, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise’s) Battalion, Service No 3087 was wounded on 2nd August 1900 at Zilikats Nek, South Africa.

A Walter H. Smart, Driver, Royal Engineers, Service No 199150 was struck off strength as wounded on 3rd September 1917. He was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

If you have any information that would assist in identifying this casualty please email me: rememberthefallen.co.uk@gmail.com