From the Burnt Records

Born at Wollaston, aged 31 years and 8 months, Ethelbert attested at Rushden on 11th December 1915. He was 5' 6" tall, weighed 119lbs with a chest of 33" and of fair physical development. Working as a shoe hand, he had married Ethel, and was living at 10 East Grove with their children Denis E, Joan E. Their son Jack S was born in 1917. His father John Wilson Smart and mother Ellen Smart were living at Strixton, and his siblings were George, Marice and Emily Ellen. Ethelbert was mobilized on 31st October 1917 and posted to France 11th March 1918, where he died of wounds on 9th August 1918. His widow was granted a pension of 29/7 a week on 24th February 1919, for herself and the three children.

Rushden Military Tribunal - ..Cases Referred to the Central Medical Board

...Ethelbert Smart (33, married) asked for temporary exemption, and was given until October 31st (final).

Rushden’s Casualty List - Local Victims of the War

We regret to state that Pte. Ethelbert Smart, of the East Surrey Regiment, husband of Mrs Smart, of 10, East-grove, Rushden, and son of Mr and Mrs Wilson Smart, of Strixton, was killed on August 9th.  Deceased joined up on October 31st, 1917, and went to France on March 12th this year.  His wife has received letters from both the Chaplain and the Sister-in-charge of the Australian Clearing Station, B.E.F., stating that he was admitted there on August 9th, severely wounded, and that he died shortly afterwards.  The late Pte. Smart, who was a native of Wollaston, was 34 years of age, and for many years he was a member of the Parish Church choir at Wollaston.  Before joining the Forces he was in the employ of Messrs. E. Claridge and Sons, Ltd., boot manufacturers, of Rushden.  He leaves a wife and three young children.  Mrs Smart, who is the daughter of Mr and Mrs Charles Whiting, of East-grove, Rushden, has two brothers serving.  The only two brothers of the deceased soldier also are serving – Pte. Maurice Smart, who is in Egypt, and Pte. George Smart, who is in Italy, the former of whom has once been wounded and has been on two vessels which have been torpedoed.  The late Pte. Ethelbert Smart, who had lived in Rushden for the last twelve years before joining the Forces, used to attend St. Mary’s Church, Rushden.

Rushden Chorister Killed

We regret to announce that Pte Ethelbert Smart, East Surrey Regt., husband of Mrs Smart, of East-grove, Rushden, the eldest son of Mr and Mrs Smart, of Strixton, died of wounds on August 10th. Pte Smart, who was 34 years of age, was for many years a chorister at Wollaston Parish Church, and was employed by Messrs. E Claridge and Sons, boot manufacturers, Rushden. He leaves a wife and three young children.

Chorister's Sacrifice - Strixton Soldier Dies of Wounds

Pte Ethelbert Smart, East Surrey Regt., and eldest son of Mr and Mrs Wilson Smart, of Strixton, and husband of Mrs Smart, East-grove, Rushden, has died of wounds received in action in one of the clearing stations in France on August 9th. He was 34 years of age, being called up last October, and went to France in February. Prior to this he was a pressman in the employ of Messrs. E Claridge and Co., shoe manufacturer, Rushden. He leaves a wife and three small children. He was for many years a chorister at Wollaston Parish Church. Two other brothers are serving; one has been wounded and had twice been on a torpedoed vessel.

In Memoriam

In loving memory of my dear husband Ethelbert Smart, who died of wounds received in action on Saturday August 9th, 1918.

"Gone, but not forgotten." From his sorrowing wife and children, at 10, East-grove, Rushden.