Dvr. Reginald George Smith

Reginald George Smith was born in Petersham, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia in 1888 to William Henry and Eliza Smith (nee Birkett). He worked as a carpenter. At age 27 Reginald joined up for World War I with the Australian Imperial Force on 23 May 1915 (Regimental Number: 1774). His attestation forms describe him as 5ft 6, weight 126lbs with a dark complexion, grey eyes and brown hair. He was with the 2nd Pioneer Battalion working as a driver. He embarked from Sydney on board the ‘Suffolk’. He was then on board the ‘Ionian’ arriving in Alexandria on 11 September 1915 and fought in Gallipoli. He was injured and sent to hospital on 25 November 1915, returning to duty five days later. He was arrived in Marseilles on 26 March 1916. On 5 January 1918 he was sent to England on leave, arriving back on 19 January. Reginald was killed in action in Belgium on 11 March 1918. He was buried at Pont d'Achelles Military Cemetery, Nord pas de Calais, France. Source: Biography by Debbie McCauley (2017), his first cousin thrice removed.

• War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front
• Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Sources

1. Cenotaph Record
2. Military Personnel File
3. The AIF Project