Private J.H.Smithiman
Mrs Smithiman of 96 Firbeck Street, has received the news that her husband private J.H.Smithiman has died of wounds received in action.
She first received a letter from the officer commanding his Regiment, which reads:
“Dear Mrs Smithiman
I am very sorry to have to tell you that your husband, private J.H.Smithiman of this regiment was badly wounded on the night 25th July.
He lay for some time, but was locally unconscious and died in the morning. Our doctor attended to him but could do no more. It was a bullet wound, and he died of internal bleeding.
At the time he was wounded he was doing his work well with his Companies Lewis Gun detachment, and we all sympathise with you in your sorrow.
He was buried that night by the chaplain, at a little village just beyond our trenches.
The effects will, I hope, reach you shortly.
I hope your sorrow will be cheered by pride in him as a soldier laying down his life is King and country
yours truly
G.A.Wedgwood Lieutenant-Colonel