Pte 21789 Stanley Herbert Smith

• Age: 28
• From: Liverpool
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 19th Btn
• K.I.A Saturday 1st July 1916
• Commemorated at: Cerisy-gailly Mil Cem
  Panel Ref: II.M.3

21789 Private Stanley Herbert SMITH 19th Battalion KLR.

Stanley Herbert Smith was born in Liverpool in December 1887, the youngest son of William Charles and Annie Smith. William had been born in Manchester, and Annie had been born in Carnarvon, they were married on the 3rd Nov 1877 at St Mary, Edge Hill. William was a 26 year old traveller, father William a veterinary surgeon, whilst Annie was aged 25, father John a superintendent of police, both of 27 Bengel St. 

The 1891 Census shows the family living at 22 Newcombe Street, Walton on the Hill, Liverpool. 

His father William aged 38, born 1853 in Manchester is a commercial traveller, whilst his mother Ann is aged 39, born 1852 in Caernarvon and has no occupation listed. They have six children at the time of the Census; John aged 12, born 1879, William aged 10 born 1881, Annie aged 8, born 1883, Sidney aged 5, born 1886, Stanley Herbert aged 3, and Florence aged 8 months born 1891. The children were all born in Liverpool. 

The family were recorded as living at 66 Lime Grove in Toxteth at the time of the 1901 census. 

His father William was working as a ships steward and is not present on the census so presumably he was away at sea. Annie is aged 49 looking after the household of five children listed as; 20 year old William who is working as an insurance agent, Annie 18, Sidney 15, Stanley 13 and 10 year old Florence Maud. There is another son John who isn’t present at the census. 

By 1911 Stanley’s parents lived at 81 Newcombe Road, Anfield.

Stanley wasn’t home at the census, but records suggest that he’s working as a clerk and then a waiter for the Cunard Steamship Company. Father William is aged 56, a ships steward, mother Annie is aged 59. The only child left at home is 32 year old John who is unmarried and working as a railway clerk. A 4 year old granddaughter called Gladys is staying with the couple. 

Stanley enlisted in Liverpool on 11th November 1914 joining the 19th Battalion as Private 21789, giving his age as 26 years 11 months, his occupation as waiter and his next of kin as his father, William Charles, of 105 Grey Rock Street, Everton. He was described as 5’ 11” tall, weighed 140 lbs, 38” chest, with a sallow complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. He also had a tattoo on his right wrist. His religion was stated as Church of England.

He was originally billeted at the hutted accommodation at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 19th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. 

Whilst in training, he forfeited 9 days pay in April 1915 for being AWOL from 2nd to 10th April, and on 16th October 1915 was given 2 days Confined to barracks for not turning out on guard. Stanley, for reasons unknown, did not cross to France with his Battalion which embarked on November 07th 1915. He arrived in France on 16th December 1915 as part of a reinforcement draft and joined 30 Infantry Base Depot at Etaples. On the 07th January he was attached to No 2 Entrenching Battalion. In March 1916 he was admitted to No 4 Hospital in St Omer with dental caries. Stanley did not rejoin his unit until 26th May 1916.

He was killed in action during the attack at Montauban on 1st July 1916.

The events of that period for the 19th Battalion were :

Zero Hour 7.30am First day of the attack. The Battalion used up entirely in “carrying parties” for the Brigade. Battalion H.Q. in the “Chateau”, Maricourt. Total casualties from the 1st to the 4th of July 1916: 1 officer wounded, 12 other ranks killed, 53 wounded and 3 missing.

Stanley now rests at Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery in Plot 2, Row M, and Grave 3.

His belongings were sent back to his mother in February 1918, they were: 4 coins, 1 jackknife, 1 metal watch in case, 1 bunch of keys, 1 steel mirror and 1 belt.

His family placed a notice in the Liverpool Daily Post on July 19th 1916:

Smith – July 1, fell in action, Stanley Herbert Smith (Stan), (“Pals”) dearly beloved youngest son of W.C. and Mrs Smith, 105 Grey Rock Street (Deeply regretted)

SMITH - In loving memory of Stanley Herbert Smith, K.L.R., killed in action, July 1 1916, and buried at Maricourt (love and remembrance last for ever.) - Sadly missed by Maggie.

SMITH - In affectionate remembrance of our beloved brother Private S. H. Smith (Stan), who fell July 1 1916. (The angels of heaven are guarding his soul.) - Fondly remembered by Maude and Sid.

SMITH - In loving remembrance of Stanley Herbert (our Stan), K.L.R.  (Pals), who fell in action, July 1 1916. (For ever in our thoughts.) - Mother and Father, 105 Grey Rock Street.

SMITH - In loving memory of my dear brother Stanley Herbert (our Stan), K.L.R.  (Pals), who fell in action, July 1 1916 ("To memory ever dear.") - John and Nellie, 13 Grasmere Street.

SMITH - In loving remembrance of my dear brother Stanley Herbert (our Stan), who fell in action, July 1 1916. ("Until the day dawns.")  (Deeply regretted by Annie, Tom, Fred, and Eva, 7 Hunt Street.)

Liverpool Echo 1st July 1918 

ROLL OF HONOUR. 

IN MEMORIAM. 

SMITH—In affectionate remembrance of my dearest brother STAN, who fell action, July 1, 1916, K.L.R. 

No morning dawns, no night returns.  

But what I think of you.  

Deeply regretted, his Sister Maude.  

SMITH -In affectionate remembrance of STANLEY HERBERT (Stan), the dearly-loved youngest brother of J. H. Smith, who fell July 1, 1916.  

There is a link death cannot sever,  

Love and remembrance last for ever.  

John and Nellie, 13, Grasmere-street, Anfield.  

SMITH—In honoured and loving memory of Pte S. H. SMITH (my Stan), K.L.R., fell in action, July 1st, 1916.  

The happy hours we once enjoyed,  

How sweet their memory still.  

Fondly remembered by Maggie  

SMITH—In memory of STANLEY HERBERT SMITH (Our Stan), who fell in action, July 1, 1916.—Dearly loved and sadly missed all at 105, Grey Rock Street. 

1921 Census shows the family at Grey Rock St. 

Soldiers effects and pension were sent to his mother Annie which included 4 coins, 1 jack knife, 1 metal watch in a case, 1 bunch of keys, 1 steel mirror and 1 belt.

Father died aged 75 in 1927 

Mother drops off the Electoral Roll in 1933-34, she died aged 81 in 1932. 

We currently have no further information on Stanley Herbert Smith, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.