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James Francis Smith (1897-1917)


Blacksmith from Thornaby-on-Tees served in 1st/5th DLI commemorated on the Arras Memorial


James Francis Smith (also known as Francis James), the son of William Francis and Isabel Smith, was born in Thornaby-on-Tees in 1897. He had four sisters and a brother and lived in Thornaby until he joined the army. He was working as a blacksmith when he enlisted in the 1st/5th Battalion Durham Light Infantry at Stockton-on-Tees. He was killed in action at the Battle of Arras on 23 April 1917 and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial and in the Durham Cathedral and St. Thomas’ Church, Stockton-on-Tees Books of Remembrance.

Birth date: 1897

Death date: 23-Apr-1917

Armed force/civilian: Army

Residence: 30 St. Leonard Street, Thornaby-on-Tees, Yorkshire (1901 census)
34 St. Leonard Street, Thornaby, Yorkshire (1911 census)

Employment: Hammer Driver in a Blacksmith’s. (1911 census)

Family: Father: William Francis Smith
Mother: Isabella Smith (nee Larmouth)
Siblings: Harriett, Isabella, Ethel, Margaret & John Smith

Military service:

1st/5th Battalion Durham Light Infantry
Regimental nos.: 1698 & 200079
Private

Medal(s): British War Medal
Victory Medal

Memorial(s): All recorded as Francis James Smith:
Arras Memorial, Bay 8
Durham Cathedral Book of Remembrance
St. Thomas’ Church, Stockton-on-Tees 5th DLI 1914-18 Book of Remembrance

Gender: Male

Contributed by John Edwards


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