Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Private Farquhar Hugh Arpafeelia Smith, initially from New South Wales enlisted into the A.I.F. in Perth, March 1916. His next of kin were his mother and father at Blewcowe Street West Leederville, Western Australia. He recorded his occupation as an accountant.

He embarked for overseas from Fremantle, Western Australia in August 1916 arriving Plymouth England in September 1916. Undergoing further training in England he was promoted to Corporal but was reverted to Private shortly after joining 28th Battalion in France in November 1916.

On 26th February 1917, 28th Battalion was positioned in the Fler Lines as a reserve battalion. The next day they were moved into the front line relieving 21st Battalion where they came under heavy shelling. It was on the night of 1st March 1917 that Private Smith was sitting on an embankment of a sunken road called Twenty Sixth Avenue or Chalk Pit Road waiting to move up to the trenches when a high explosive shell came in killing Private Edwards and wounding Private Smith. He received wounds to his head and left thigh.

From a Red Cross File; Private Gilbert stated "Smith was in B Company. No 7 Platoon and came from Perth W.A. He was hit by a high explosive shell in the legs and badly wounded. I was a walking case and Smith was carried down just in front of me. When we got to the second dressing station I heard the Medical Officer say that Smith would not last it out".

Private Farquhar Smith was recorded wounded in action but succumbed to his wounds on the 1st March 1917, at the 5th Australian Field Ambulance. He was buried in the Martinpuich British Cemetery, he was 27 years of age.