The Fallen of Harlow in WW1.

The story of Herbert Smith read by Janet Jackson from Harlow Council.

YH would like to thank Harlow Council’s Civic Fund and HTS Ltd for supporting the project.

Never Forget……….

Herbert’s mother was Louisa Broad, born in 18771. Louisa lived with her parents in Mill Street, Hastingwood. Herbert was born in 18962, when Louisa was aged 18 and unmarried. Louisa married Frederick Smith in Harlow in 18993. Frederick brought Herbert up as his own son, changing his surname to Smith.

The 1901 census shows Herbert residing in Foster Street with his parents Fred and Louisa and sibling Fred. Herbert’s father Fred was working as a general labourer. The 1911 census recorded Herbert living in Foster Street, Harlow with his parents Frederick and Louisa and siblings Frederick and Millie. They had four rooms. Both Herbert and his father were working as labourers.

Private Herbert Smith enlisted in Stratford in September 1914 and joined The 1st Battalion of The Essex Regiment. Later he joined the 9th Battalion. The battalion fought at Gallipoli and was subsequently transferred to the Western Front. Herbert married Susannah Jane Reed on 16 June 19174 in Saffron Walden, whilst on leave, possibly wounded. They set up home in Castle Street in Saffron Walden. A daughter, May was born to them in 19185 after Herbert’s death, but she died in 19206.

The Regiment took part in The Battle of Albert, part of The second Battle of The Somme on 22 August 1918. Herbert was wounded, apparently for the sixth time and was taken to a casualty clearing station at Daours. He died of his wounds there on 26 August 1918, aged 22. He is buried in Daours Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Plot 8, row A, grave 28. Register Index Number Fr.119.