Death of Higham Soldier
An Enthusiastic C.L.B. Worker
King’s and Queen’s Medals in the Boer War

A highly respected and useful citizen of the borough of Higham Ferrers has given his life for his King and country in the person of Corpl. John William Spring Smith, of the Sherwood Foresters, who, it is officially reported, was killed in action on November 28th. He leaves a widow and two little children to mourn the loss of an affectionate husband and father, and the late Corpl. Smith will also be greatly missed by the Higham St. Mary’s C.L.B., of which organisation he was for over five years sergeant instructor. It is but twelve months ago that recognition was made of his services in this respect, when the Higham Ferrers C.L.B. presented him with a long service medal and a silver teapot inscribed:-

“Presented to Segt.-Instructor W. Smith by the officers, N.C.O.’s, and lads of the Higham Ferrers company C.L.B. as a mark of affection and esteem, 1908 to 1913.”

The sad news of her husband’s death was received by Mrs. Smith on Saturday morning, the official document, which came from the Infantry record Office, Litchfield, being accompanied by the customary letter of sympathy from the King and Queen, and signed by Lord Kitchener.

The late Corp. Smith, who was 34 years of age, fought right through the Boer War and came through unscathed. He was the recipient of the Queen’s Medal with three bars and the King’s Medal with two bars. He enlisted at 18 years of age, serving altogether 16 years with the colours, and the expiration of his period of service as a regular and reservist should have been on November 2nd, 26 days before he met a glorious death in the service of his country. He had been but 16 days at the front when his life was sacrificed. Called up as a reservist on August 5th, he proceeded to Plymouth, where, until Nov. 12th, on which day he left England for the front, he was engaged in drilling recruits.

Prior to his being called up on active service he was in the employ of Mr. H. R. Patenall. The late Corpl. Smith’s sister is the wife of Pte. J. Hinde (Rushden), who is also serving with the British Expeditionary Force and from whom we have published several letters.

The last letter Corpl. Smith wrote to his wife was received by her on Nov. 28th, the day he is reported to have been killed. It was under date Nov 25th, and we make the following extracts:-

“I dare say you were surprised to hear of my sudden departure, but I cannot tell you where I am stationed as it is against Army orders, which must be strictly adhered to, hoping you do not misunderstand my meaning. Since I left Plymouth I have sent you and the children about four postcards and I hope you have received them. Remember me to my friends who enquire of my welfare and inform them that I am unable to write to all of them. I fully appreciated their kindness and thoughtfulness. Give them my kind regards, also give my best love to my mother, brother, and sisters, and tell them I will write shortly.

“Sorry to hear about my intimate friend’s (Lieut. F. Jos. Simpson) brother-in-law, Major Browning, of the Dragoon Guards, who was killed in action. I feel downright sorry for Mr. and Mrs. Simpson. I was pleased to see in the newspaper [‘The Rushden Echo’] that 25 lads who have been under me in the Church Lad’s Brigade have enlisted and are fighting for their King and country. I think that is nearly a record for so many to have joined, from the number which we have enrolled on our books. Remember me to Rev. H. K. Fry and inform him that I shall be pleased to keep up our correspondence the same in the future as in the past. I conclude with best love to you and the children. Cheer up, be of good faith and trust to Providence.”

The late Corpl. Smith was a member of the Church of England and was a regular attendant at St. Mary’s, Higham Ferrers. At evensong last Sunday the Vicar (the Rev. H. K. Fry) made touching reference to the deceased soldier, eulogising the usefulness of the work in which he had been engaged. There were present at the service the Higham St Mary’s Company C.L.B., together with many former members who have joined the colours and who are now at home on leave. The service opened with the singing of the National Anthem. The C.L.B. hymn, “Fight the good fight,” was sung, and at the close of the service the “Dead March” from “Saul” was played by Mr. A. E. Wright.