John (Jack) Henry Smith (1888–1973)

Gunner

Royal Garrison Artillery 133196 171 Siege Battery

Photos courtesy David Millington


John Hnery Smith photo
John Henry Smith photo

Biography
John was born in Crich during 1888, the son of George and Emma Smith. However, he was brought up by his grandparents George Ashbourne and Mary Smith. He was a Crich butcher, who enlisted in 1916 and entered France in 1917. He was wounded by a shell which caused severe injuries to his right side and arm. He underwent two operations. After demob he re-established his butchery business and in 1923 married Agnes Taylor. He was a churchwarden at St Mary’s, Crich, and in 1928 he was honoured by his name being included on a recast church bell.

A report in the Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald dated 9 June 1923 stated that John Henry Smith, butcher of Crich, married at Tansley, Agnes Taylor daughter of Gervaise Taylor.

Photo courtesy Nigel Turner

John Henry Smith's butchers shop Crich

John Henry Smith's butchers shop in Crich Market Place. His wife, Agnes, is the sister of Gervase Taylor, proprietor of My Lady Coach; and daughter of Gervase Taylor (senior) Farmer & Milk Supplier, of Spout Farm, Tansley.

Crich slaughter house with John Henry Smith


Jack Smith third left at Crich abattoir

In 1928 he was a churchwarden at St Mary's Church and had a bell dedicated to his name as did the late Captain W. E. Else.

Photo courtesy David Millington

Church bell dedicated to John Henry Smith at Crich

The inscription reads:
Recast 1928; R.O. Wilson - vicar; H. J. Rankin & J. H. Smith Churchwardens.
H.J. Rankin was one of the village doctors.

See the photograph album of St Mary's Church bells

Medal Roll Index Card
He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals also the Silver War Badge.

Silver War Badge Record
133196 Gunner John Henry Smith;171 Siege Battery; Badge 418305; Enlisted 11/1/16 Discharged 4/7/18; aged 30, Para 2(a)(1); served abroad.

Photo courtesy David Millington

WW1 employemnt card for John Henry Smith

Newspaper report

Derbyshire Times , 2 June 1917
Crich Casualties
Details of Gunner John H Smith’s wounds have been received in a letter he sent to his uncle and aunt Mr and Mrs J Roe Smith of Ashbourne House, Roes Lane, Crich. He says that he was wounded by a shell, which caused severe injuries to his right side and arm. After being taken to a hospital in France, he underwent two operations, and later was drafted to England. He is now at Bellahouston Red Cross Hospital, Glasgow, where he is improving. His chum, who was hit by the same shell, died in the next bed to his shortly afterwards. Gunner Smith went across to France in May this year. Before joining up he was a butcher, and had a business on the marketplace, Crich.

 

CENSUS INFORMATION

1891: Crich

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
George A Smith Head 76 Farmer Crich
Mary Smith wife 72   Crich
George A Smith son 32 Wheelwright Crich
Emma Smith daughter in law 24   Crich
John Henry Smith grandson 2   Crich
Beatrice Smith grandaughter 1   Crich
Sarah Ann Roe niece 24   Crich

RG12 piece 2746 folio 75 page 1

1901: Roes Lane, Crich

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
George Ashbourne Smith Head (wdwr) 84 Living on own means Crich
John Henry Smith grandson 12   Crich
Sarah Ann Roe niece 36   Liverpool

RG13 piece 3231 folio 31 page 7

1911: Shirebrook

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Benjamin Jacks Head 42 mining, haulier Madley Salop
Harriett Jacks wife 45   Woodville
Thomas Jacks son 5   Shirebrook
W Kendall boarder 21 draper Staff
John Smith boarder 22 butcher Crick

RG14PN20288 RG78PN1216 RD428 SD2 ED1

1939 Register: Market Place, Crich
John Hy Smith b.23 July 1888; master butcher
Agnes Smith b.26 October 1891
Sarah Taylor b.1 November 1857; incapacitated