Mexborough and Swinton Times, July 1916

Mexborough Tragedy
Father Killed – Son Wounded

Private George Smith (York & Lancs)     Private T. Smith (York & Lancs)
Wounded                                                        Killed

A particularly sad cases reported from Flowitt Street, Mexborough.

Private J Smith (York and Lancs) and his son Private T Smith, charged side-by-side during the recent advance. The father was shot through the head and killed outright, the son survived the day, and was able to attend to his father’s burial, but was himself shot and wounded the following day, and is now in hospital in England.

He writes home:

“I am in the hospital at present with shrapnel wounds in my right hand and right knee, but it is only very slight, and I am hoping it will be all right again soon.

I am very sorry to tell you that my father is dead. He got killed at the side of me, but I’m pleased to say that he did not suffer, for he was killed outright.
I looked after him being buried, and he was given a decent burial as was possible in the circumstances. I made a cross and put it on his grave.

The officers and men send a sympathy and hope you will bear it bravely. Never mind, mother, he is better off. We are never out of danger here. I have most of his things, so if I live to get home I can bring them.

Bear it bravely, mother; he died fighting for his King and country.”