WWI Trio. Smith. Suffolk Regiment. Warboys, Huntingdonshire. Twice wounded, once at Delville Wood.

Correctly named 15974 Pte T Smith Suff R

Ted also served in the Labour Corps with the service number 597136

Serving with the 8th (Service) Battalion, Ted entered France on the 25th of July 1915 earning his 1915 Trio.

The 8th had a very busy war from the Somme, Ancre Heights, Pilkhem Ridge and Passchendaele just to name a few battle honours.

Ted has a wound report dated the 21st of August 1916 which is consistent with the Battalion fighting at the time at Delville Wood.

Another wound report is dated the 2nd of November 1917, Ted may well have been with the Labour Corps at this time, the 8th Suffolks were entering the fighting at the Second Battle of Passchendeale around this time.

We know from his reports that his next of kin resided at Warboys in Huntingdonshire.

He was awarded the Silver War Badge numbered 441908 which is not present.

Researching finds us just one ‘Ted’ Smith of suitable age from the area at the time so we suspect this to be our chap.

Born in Kirtling, Cambridgeshire on the 13th of June 1894 to Jonas and Eliza.

In 1911, we see him as a farm hand living at Upend Green, Kirtling, Cambridgeshire.

He married Elsie Leader in 1936 and in 1939 is found living at Ramsey Road, Warboys, St Ives, Huntingdonshire, England and working again a farm hand.

Ted died in 1969.

The medals are swing mounted as worn on original silk ribbon.