THE short life of Harlow resident Henry Smith as read out by Potter Street resident, Pat Smith.

This project has been supported by the Harlow Council Civic Fund and HTS Ltd.

Never Forget.

Henry’s parents were George Smith, born in Ilford in 18661 and Annie, born in Harlow in c.1871. George and Annie married in c.1887. Henry Smith was born in West Ham in 18932.

The 1901 census shows Henry and his family living in Harlow Road. George was working as a game keeper on a farm. The 1911 census shows Henry to be living in Magdalen Laver, near Ongar with his parents George and Annie and his siblings George and Leonard. George Snr. was working as a horseman while Henry was working as a stockman.

Private Henry Smith, 40316, enlisted at Epping serving in the 11th Battalion of The Essex Regiment. Henry died of wounds on 29 March 1918, following his regiment’s participation in The Battle of St. Quentin, which commenced on 21 March 1918. Henry was 25 years old. He is buried in Mons Communal Cemetery, Mons, Hainaut, Belgium. Plot 7, row E, grave 9. Register Index Number Bel.241-264.