William Roy Smith DCM

Rank:

Corporal

Regimental number:

55710

Unit at enlistment:

19th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Wounded:

Yes

Cemetery:

Farringdon Cemetery, Brantford, Ontario

Awards or decorations:

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Birth country:

Canada

Birth county:

Brant

Birth city:

Brantford, Ontario

Address at enlistment:

35 Spring Street, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

30 Grant Street, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Carpenter helper

Religious denominations:

Other

Marital status:

Single

Age at enlistment:

Gallantry medals:

Yes

Letters and documents

London Gazette: 29824
Date: November 14, 1916
Honour or Award: Distinguished Conduct Medal
Authority: R.O. 803, Byng, October 6, 1916
Name: William Roy Smith (55710)
Unit: 19th Battalion

Details: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Although his right hand had been blown off by a shell, Corporal Smith went forward with a half platoon, and refused to leave his command until the consolidation of the line had been completed.

November 16, 1916

Corporal William Roy Smith Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal – Was with 19th Battalion And is Now in Nottingham Wounded

Corp. William Roy Smith, 19th Battalion, has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry at the front.

He enlisted in the 19th Battalion, being in the trenches for a great length of time. Lately he was admitted to a military hospital in Nottingham, being wounded in several places on the arms.

His mother resides at 302 Colborne Street, his father being a member of the 54th Battery, now training in England, while his brother, Norman is with the 125th Battalion at Witley Camp, England.

BX July 10, 1917

No Reception to Private Charles William Kerr and Corporal William Roy Smith DCM

Not having been notified in time and the notification when it did arrive being uncertain, two returned veterans who reached the city at 7.32 on the G.T.R. last evening did not receive a reception at the hands of the Soldiers’ Aid Commission. The heroes who arrived back last evening were Private Charles William Kerr, of 154 Park Avenue and Corporal William Roy Smith of Grant Street. Corp. William Smith is the proud possessor of the D.C.M. His left arm is shattered, but he appears to be in excellent health. He was wounded in the Battle of the Somme about a year ago. Private Charles Kerr was wounded about 18 months ago. He has an artificial foot, having had his foot amputated above the ankle. He has spent a good deal of time in various hospitals.

BX March 15, 1971

William Roy Smith

SMITH – At the Humber Hospital, Toronto, on Monday, March 15, 1971, William Roy Smith (retried employee of the Toronto Post Office staff) formerly of Brantford and Keswick, in his 81st year; husband of the late Sadie Knox; brother of Charles, Mrs. R. (Alma) Ilton, both of Hamilton, Mrs. Violet Piggott and Mrs. Edna O’Brien, both of Brantford. Mr. Smith was a life member of the Masonic Lodge and a veteran of the First World War. Resting at Hill and Robinson Limited, Funeral Home, Nelson and Queen Streets, from Tuesday noon until Wednesday. Service in the chapel at 3.3o p.m. Interment in Farringdon Burial Ground. Rev. John MacCallum will officiate.