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WO2 Robert Smith MM.
British Army 1st Northumbrian Field Ambulance Royal army Medical Corps
from:Tosson Terrace, Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne
(d.1st Aug 1916)
My grandfather Robert Smith had three brothers all of whom served with the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. He enlisted in the Northumberland Fusiliers Voluntary Force in 1901 being redesignated to the Northumberland Field Territorial Force on 1st April 1908 and transferred to the RAMC on 13th June of that year. His service number was 9 and he rose to the rank of Quarter Master Sergeant (WO Class II). He was awarded the MM but for what reason remains a mystery.
On 1st of August 1916, he was found lying by the side of the road near Canada Corner with a head wound. He was taken to No.8 Casualty Clearing Station but died later that day. The Court of Enquiry found that he had been thrown from his horse when it may have slipped or been startled by a passing vehicle or exploding shell. He is buried at Bailleul. He left a widow with three children under the age of five.
