SMITH, Harold Frederick Bryce
| Service Number: | 4872 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 6 January 1916, Adelaide, South Australia |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 50th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Adelaide, South Australia, June 1895 |
| Home Town: | Adelaide, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Horse driver |
| Died: | Natural causes, South Australia, 18 August 1959 |
| Cemetery: |
Centennial Park Cemetery, South Australia |
| Memorials: | Virginia District WW1 Roll of Honor |
World War 1 Service
| 6 Jan 1916: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 4872, Adelaide, South Australia | |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Mar 1916: | Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 4872, 10th Infantry Battalion, Enlistment/Embarkation WW1, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '10' embarkation_place: Adelaide embarkation_ship: RMS Mongolia embarkation_ship_number: '' public_note: '' | |
| 9 Mar 1916: | Embarked AIF WW1, Private, 4872, 10th Infantry Battalion, RMS Mongolia, Adelaide | |
| 20 May 1916: | Transferred AIF WW1, Private, 50th Infantry Battalion | |
| 28 Mar 1917: | Wounded AIF WW1, Private, 4872, 50th Infantry Battalion, The Outpost Villages - German Withdrawal to Hindenburg Line, GSW (shoulder) | |
| 21 Jul 1919: | Discharged AIF WW1, Private, 4872, 50th Infantry Battalion |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Xavier Two Wells
Harold Frederick Bryce Smith was born in Adelaide, South Australia, where he grew up in a quiet suburban home at 14 Bewes Street, off Angas Street. He was the son of Mrs. S. Smith, who lived with him at the same address, and listed her as his next of kin when he enlisted for service in World War I. As a young man, Harold worked as a horse driver before deciding to enlist in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) during the Great War. At the time of his enlistment, he was 20 years old and single.
Harold enlisted on 6 January 1916, during a time when the war was consuming much of Europe. He was assigned Regimental Number 4872 and began his service as a Private in the 10th Battalion, 15th Reinforcement. On 9 March 1916, Harold and his fellow soldiers embarked from Adelaide on board the RMS Mongolia, leaving their home country behind as they set sail for Europe. The journey marked the beginning of his military service on the Western Front, where he would soon face the horrors of war.
Harold's service took him to the brutal battlefields of France and Belgium. As a driver, he played an essential logistical role in moving supplies, ammunition, and troops, which were critical to the success of operations. His battalion was later reassigned to the 50th Battalion, where he continued to serve. Like many soldiers, Harold faced the constant dangers of artillery fire, trench warfare, and the challenging conditions of the front lines. Despite the hardships, he remained dedicated to his role and his comrades. His service on the Western Front lasted for several years, and he was fortunate to return home safely after the war ended.
After the war concluded, Harold was sent back to Australia on 1 May 1919, having completed his military service. The horrors of the Western Front were behind him, but like many veterans, Harold would have been affected by the physical and emotional scars of his experiences. For his service, he was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal, which were given to soldiers who served in World War I. Upon returning home, Harold resumed his life in Adelaide, although little is known about his activities after the war.
Harold Frederick Bryce Smith passed away on 18 August 1959, at the age of 63. His life was marked by courage and sacrifice during a time of great global conflict. Harold’s service in the war is a reflection of the many young Australians who answered the call to serve their country, leaving behind family and friends to fight in a war that reshaped the world. His story serves as a reminder of the brave men and women who served in World War I, and the lasting impact of their sacrifices on future generations.