6666 Pte Joseph Smith, 2nd Bn Duke of Wellington's (W Riding) Regt.
Born at Dent, West Yorkshire, Joseph was a weaver before enlisting into the army (1st Bn West Riding Regt) at the age of 18 years and 1 month in 1901. He served for eight years, mainly in England, Ireland and India. He returned to civilian life, and he became an employee of Sir John Horsfall, but Joseph re-engaged into the Army Reserve at Halifax in February 1913. He served as a bandsman - he was quite a distinguished member of the Kildwick and District Brass Band prior to the war. He was, therefore, called back into full time service with ‘A' Coy of the 2nd Dukes at the beginning of August 1914. Joseph took part in the retreat from Mons and the subsequent Battle of the Marne, but he was killed in action on the Aisne on 19 September 1914. Having no known grave, he is now commemorated on the memorial to the missing at La Ferte sous Jouarre.
19 September 1914
Research by David O'Mara, Croonaert Research Services.
