Harrogate Herald - 11th July 1917

Roll of Honour

The news we published a fortnight ago inferring the death of Private John Smith, of the Canadians, who was reported missing (son of Mr & Mrs Charles Smith, 37 North Lodge Avenue, New park, Harrogate), has been confirmed by a letter from Sergeant H Pearce, who says he has made all possible enquires, into the action of April 28th : "Your son was shot in the stomach by a machine gun. he was as comfortable as possible when the lads of his section passed on. Nothing further was known about him until his pay book was handed in by the unit cooperating on the left of his battalion. I regret to say that is conclusive evidence that at the time your son's pay book was taken from him he was dead. If there was any possible chance that he was taken prisoner I would tell you, but I am sorry to say that there isn't. I endeavoured to find the sergeant who was with him, but doubtless he was also a casualty". After referring to the custom regarding parcels, the sergeant tenders his sympathy with the family in their sad loss, and says it may be some consolation to know he died a hero's death, and was one of the best of comrades.