Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Lieutenant Francis Lawrence SMITH MC MM MiD

No 2 Company Australian Army Service Corps

1st Australian Divisional Train AIF

by Robert Simpson

Francis Lawrence Smith was born at Muswellbrook, New South Wales, in 1890. His parents were Laurence Andrew Smith and Bridget Margaret Abberton who had been married on 28th August 1889 in St James Catholic Church in Muswellbrook. Laurence had been born in the same town in 1860, his parents having migrated from England and Ireland sometime before they were married in Scone NSW in 1857. His name seems to be spelt differently, either as Lawrence or Laurence. They had four boys, Francis being the eldest, then William John on 19th June 1891, Harold Joseph on 11th November 1894 and Cyril Patrick in 1896, all in Muswellbrook. The Muswellbrook Chronicle of Wednesday 18th February 1903 on page 2 had an entry in Local & General News that “MR. L. A. SMITH notifies in our business columns that he will on Saturday next commence business as family butcher in the premises formerly occupied by Mr. F. J. Clark. As Mr. Smith is well known to most towns people, doubtless he will secure a fair share of public support.” Lawrence had to give a deposition about a body found in the Hunter River, in which it was stated by him: “Lawrence Andrew Smith deposed : I am a butcher, residing in Sydney street, Muswellbrook ; have viewed the dead body, subject of this inquiry, now lying at the police station, which I identify as that of a man whom I had in my employ, and whom I knew as Fred; this was about 6 or 7 weeks ago ; he was employed by me as a potman at the slaughter yards ; he lived by himself in a hut at the slaughter yards, about two miles from Muswellbrook”. After reading all the evidence, the Coroner said:—”I find that the man known by the name of Fred was found dead in the water of the Hunter River, at Muswellbrook, in the Stales of New South Wales, on Saturday, 26th September, 1908, but by what means he came by his death there is not sufficient evidence to enable me to say.” In the 1913 electoral roll, Laurence was a butcher, living in Sydney Street, with Bridget doing domestic duties. On 13thMay 1914 Laurence had a notice in the local paper that all accounts due to him must be paid by 30th May or proceedings would be instituted.

Francis enlisted on 18th August 1914 as 507 Driver with the 2nd Company Australian Army Service Corps. He was a natural born British subject, born at Muswellbrook NSW. Francis was a 24 year old clerk, he had never been an apprentice and was not married. For previous service he stated “Signaller (Sydney), transferred to 7th A.A.S.C.” and “Army Service Corps (Sydney)” written under that. He was taken and subscribed at Kensington NSW on 31stAugust, was assessed medically fit and was appointed to No 2 Company AASC on that day. His attestation form shows he was 24 years and 2 months old, height 5 foot 7 inches, weighed 160 pounds, had chest measurement of 35 to 38½ inches, and had a fair complexion with grey eyes and light brown hair. Roman Catholic was his religious denomination and he had been vaccinated. His terms of service were for the period of the war and 4 months. The Statement of Service for 507 L Smith has a stamp on it for 1st Divisional Train. It shows he was promoted to Sergeant with 2nd Company AASC on the 31st August 1914.

No 2 Company Divisional Train ASC embarked at Sydney on Transport A19, Afric on 18th October 1914. Although Francis was listed with them in the nominal roll, a note on the roll showed he embarked with HMAT Hymettus A1 at Adelaide on 22nd October 1914. He was listed as Sergeant Francis Lawrence Smith, aged 24, a clerk, single of Sydney Street Muswellbrook. His next of kin was Lawrence Smith of the same address. His religious denomination was Roman Catholic and he was paid 10 shillings a day. The AMF unit he was serving in at date of enrolment was listed as 8th AASC.

He proceeded to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force at Gallipoli on 5thApril 1915. Francis was transferred to Lemnos from 2nd ASC Details at ANZAC on 10th September 1915. He embarked on HT Crosshill at Mudros for Alexandria on 31st October 1915, re-joining his unit at Mex on 3rd November. Francis was promoted to Acting Company Sergeant Major with 1st Australian Divisional Train on 23rd November 1915 at Matruh. He was promoted to CSM on 20th January 1916 with 2nd Company. Francis was Mentioned in the despatch from Sir Ian Hamilton to the Secretary of State for War on 11thDecember 1915. On 8th December 1915 he proceeded to join Western Frontier Force.

“This N.C.O. was senior Sergeant in charge of the Mule Transport of the Division during the period April 26th to October 22nd 1915, Sergeant SMITH worked under conditions of great danger as the work of transporting ammunition, water, etc. to the trenches was frequently done under shell fire but this did not deter Sergeant SMITH who frequently took mule convoys of ammunition and water when urgently required under heavy fire. His behaviour on all occasions was a splendid example to the Native Drivers and escorts. He was not away from duty for any cause during this period. His work during the first month was particularly trying. Previously recommended and mentioned in Sir Ian HAMILTON’S Despatches dated 11thDecember 1915.” He was awarded the Military Medal.

Francis was taken on strength of No 3 Company AASC from No 2 Company on 24th February 1916 and was promoted to Warrant Officer (Class I) on 13th March 1916 with 3rd Company at Sidi Bishr. He embarked on HMT Manito for overseas to join BEF at Alexandria on 25th March 1916, disembarking at Marseilles on 1stApril. On 20th April 1916, he was temporarily detached. Francis was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant on 18th May 1916. He was transferred to 4th Company AASC on 24th May 1916 and taken on their strength on that day.

His mother was sent a letter from Base Records on 24th April 1916 to Sydney Street Muswellbrook which advised her that 507 Sergeant F L Smith No 2 Company AASC had been Mentioned in Despatches as recorded “I have the honour to submit herewith the name of No. T/507 Sergeant F. Smith, No. 2 Company, whose service I wish to bring to your Lordship’s notice in connection with the operations described in my Despatch of 11th. December, 1915.”

On 7th August 1916, Francis was attached to 3rd AASC in France as Requisitioning Officer from 4th AASC temporarily. He was transferred to the 3rd on 15th August. On the 18th, he was promoted to Lieutenant in the Field. He was awarded the Military Medal on 27th October 1916.

He was temporarily attached to No 1 AASC on 18th September and re-joined No 3 AASC on the 24th. Francis went on leave to England from 19th October 1916, re-joining his unit on the 28th.

A letter from Postmaster’s General Department in Sydney on 2nd November 1916 to Base Records in Melbourne asked: “I have to intimate that it was reported in the 239th Casualty List that “Private F. L. Smith, Lindfield, “is “wounded and missing”. I shall be glad if you will kindly advise me whether this refers to Francis Lawrence Smith, who joined the Expeditionary Forces in August 1914, and was previously an Assistant in the Telegraph Branch of this Department. If so, please state his military unit, battalion, etc., name and address of next-of-kin, and the date he was reported missing.” Their reply on 8th November said that he was “not identical with 2nd Lieutenant Francis Lawrence Smith, 1st Divisional Train, who enlisted as a single man at Kensington on 31/8/14, stating his age at that date to be 24 years, occupation clerk, and whose next-of-kin is shown as resident in Muswellbrook.”

He was temporarily attached to 1stCompany AASC in the Field on 19thNovember 1916, re-joining his unit on 1stDecember 1916. Francis was on leave to England from the Field from 11th January 1917, re-joining his unit on the 20th.

Francis was transferred to and taken on strength of No 2 Company ASC from 3rdCompany ASC on 16th February 1917. He was temporarily detached to 3rd Company on the same day and re-joined his unit on the 25th. His mother was sent a letter from Base Records on 25th April 1917, advising her that Francis had been awarded a Military Medal for bravery in the Field while a Sergeant and it had been recorded in the Second Supplement No 29794 of the London Gazette of 20th October 1916. He went to Paris on leave on 10th May 1917, re-joining his unit on the 15th. Francis was temporarily detached to No 1 Company AASC on 20th June 1917, and was transferred to and taken on their strength on 3rd July 1917. On 11th August 1917, he was detached to No 1 Anzac Corps Pack School temporarily and then detached to No 2 Company AASC from them on 6thSeptember. He was then detached to Headquarters 1st Australian Division on 16th September 1917.

In AIF List No 325 on 30th April 1917 was an entry for Francis which was an extract “from The London Gazette Supplement 30645 dated 23.4.18. Statement for service for award of the “M.C.” (See A.I.F., List 274) “For Conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when engaged on forward transport work during nine day’s operations. On three occasions he has to halt his convoy owing to the road being blown up, but in spite of heavy shelling managed to repair the road with his own transport men and so enable the convoy to proceed”.”

On 14th September 1917, his form of Warrant was received at Base records Melbourne and posted out to Mrs F Smith Sydney Street Muswellbrook. His mother signed the receipt for the Form of Warrant Class 1 for Lieutenant F L Smith 1stDivisional Train on 3rd October 1917. She also sent a letter back thanking them and saying how proud she was of her son and “the way he has distinguished himself in the War”. She also pointed out her name, bring Mrs B M Smith. In the book Equal to the Task on page 226 is an entry “1 Div Train – Dickebusch, 17 September 1917” which reads “Lt F.L. Smith & CSM Lane of the Divisional Train have been employed on pack convoy duties, transporting water and engineer stores to forward dumps – and up to date have performed their duties with few casualties only, although the ground is pitted with shell holes and the ground swept by Enemy’s artillery and machine gun fire.”

He was detailed to Divisional Pack Transport Column from 1st Australian Divisional Train on 20th October 1917. On 22nd September 1917 he was attached to No 2 Company AASC and the next day proceeded to UK for leave. He re-joined them from leave on 2nd October 1917, and was returned to No 1 Company AASC on the same day. Re-joining No 1 Company on the 6th, he was then transferred to No 4 Company AASC on the 16th and was taken on their strength on the same day. As a Lieutenant, he was detached to Divisional Pack Transport Column in Belgium on 20th October 1917.

Francis was awarded the Military Cross which was recorded in 1st Anzac Routine Order No 92 on 20th November 1917.

He was Mentioned in Despatches by Sir Douglas Haig for distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty in the Field during the period of 26th February to midnight 20-21st September 1917. It was recorded in AIF List 279 of 1st January 1918.

On 10th November 1917, he re-joined unit from being detached. Another entry says he was attached to No 1 Company AASC on that date in France. He re-joined No 4 Company AASC in the Field from being detached on 5th December 1917.

On 1st February 1918 he was detached to Headquarters 1st Australian Divisional Train for temporary duty from 4thCompany AASC in the Field. He performed the duty of Adjutant 1stDivisional Train from the period 3rdFebruary to 13th February 1918 before re-joining from detached on that day.

Francis proceeded for leave to the UK on 27th February 1918 from the Field and re-joined the 4th Company AASC from leave on the 17th March. The next day he was transferred to No 1 Company AASC and taken on their strength on the same day.

Base Records sent a letter to his mother on 13th May 1918, notifying her of his Mention in Despatches in the Second Supplement No 30448 of the London Gazette of 25th December 1917, in a continuation of Sir Douglas Haig’s despatch of 7th November.

The Muswellbrook Chronicle of NSW on Saturday 29th June 1918 on page 2 had:

“LIEUTENANT F. L. SMITH, M.C., M.M.

Mr. Lawrence Smith of Sydney Street, Muswellbrook, has received information from the officer in charge of the Base Records Office, Melbourne, that his Majesty the King, has been pleased to confer upon his son, Lieutenant Francis Lawrence Smith of the 1st Army Service Corps, the decoration of the Military Cross, as a reward for gallantry. The official announcement of the award first appeared in the “London Gazette,” of the 14th December last, and in the Commonwealth “Gazette” of the 2nd May. Lieutenant Smith enlisted soon after the war started, and left Australia in September 1914. He was some months in Egypt, on the 1st May 1915 reached the Dardanelles, and then remained in Gallipoli until the evacuation. While at Gallipoli he was awarded the Military Medal. On the 4th November 1915, he was ordered to return to Alexandria, and after a stay of four months there was sent to Tripoli, where he remained until the following April, when after a trying experience of desert life – heat and sand – he was transferred to France. While in Gallipoli he was mentioned in despatches with Captain Cleeve, who was formerly C.P.S. and Lands Officer at Muswellbrook. He gained his Lieutenancy in France, where he has also been mentioned in the despatches, and where he won his latest distinction, that of the Military Cross. Lieutenant Smith has proved himself a gallant young officer, and his relations as well as himself are to be congratulated upon his distinguished career. He is only 27 years of age, and was 23 when he enlisted. He is a native of Kayuga and a grandson of Mr. Francis Abberton, who was one of the early selectors in the Upper Hunter. Prior to enlisting he was an officer in the Postal Department, Sydney.”

Francis was wounded in action in France on 30th June 1918 and was admitted to the 2nd Australian Field Ambulance on that day. He was transferred to 2nd Australian Casualty Clearing Station on that day and admitted there on 1st July with “Bomb Wounds” “Thigh & Knee”. He died of his wounds there on that day and was struck off strength.

On 1st July 1918, he was reported died of wounds received in action, at 2ndAustralian Casualty Clearing Station, according to a letter in his service records listed in cables and mail from AIF Headquarters in London. Another entry in his record said he had been previously reported DOW on 2nd July. His service record also notes he died 2nd July of GSW thigh, knee joint fractured at 2nd ACC Station, before the next line confirming the 1st.

Francis is buried in Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery, grave reference V. C. 24. Commonwealth War Graves Commission records him as Lieutenant Francis Lawrence Smith MC MM of 1stDivision Train Australian Army Service Corps, the “Son of Lawrence Andrew and Bridget Margaret Smith, of Muswellbrook, New South Wales. Native of Kayuga, New South Wales.” His grave photo is here – https://www.twgpp.org/photograph/view/3424236

The Postmaster’s General Department again sent Base Records a letter on 12thJuly 1918, asking: – “it has been reported that Lieutenant Frank Smith, Muswellbrook, has died of wounds. I shall be glad if you will kindly advise me whether this refers to Lieutenant Francis Lawrence Smith, 1st Divisional Train, who was previously an Assistant in this Department, and joined the A.I.F. in August, 1914. If so, please state the day of his death, and name and address of next-of-kin.” Their reply on the 17th included “I have to inform you that the abovenamed Officer was reported as having died of wounds received in action. This report is yet to be confirmed.” They also gave his mother as next of kin at her usual address.

The Mutual Life and Citizens’ Assurance Company in Sydney wrote to Base Records in Melbourne on 25th July 1918, asking if they would forward the certificate of death and identification particulars for “Lieut. Francis Laurence Smith, M.C., M.M., 1stDivisional Train, A.S.C. – N.S.W.” Francis was assured with that company. The certificate of the report of death was sent to them on 23rd September 1918 from Base Records with identification particulars.

He was mentioned in a page in The Sydney Mail of 7th August 1918.

The 422nd Casualty List, published in the Sydney Mail on Tuesday 13th August 1918 contained as the first entry under Died of Wounds, Lieutenant Francis Lawrence Smith MC and MM.

On 3rd October 1918, his death certificate was sent to his mother at her address. Base Records also sent her a letter on that day of an entry in the Fifth Supplement No 30645 to the London Gazette of 19th April 1918 for Francis being awarded the Military Cross which also referred to the London Gazette of 17th December 1917. The entry in it read “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when engaged on forward transport work during nine days’ operations. On three occasions he had to halt his convoy owing to road being blown up, but in spite of heavy shelling managed to repair the road with his own transport men, and so enabled the convoy to proceed.” They had previously let her know of the award, without details, on 5thJune 1918. Base Records sent a reply on 8th October 1918 to Mr A C Arkins, Conveyancer of Muswellbrook, enclosing a certificate of the report of the death of Lieutenant F L Smith MC MM 1stDivisional Train, which he had requested from them on 30th September, so he could apply for letters of Administration of his estate and effects.

The Muswellbrook Chronicle on Saturday 26th October 1918 on page 2 had:

“THE LATE LIEUT. F. L. SMITH, M.C., M.M.

Greater praise for high character and worthy action could not be given to any Australian soldier than is contained in the tributes paid to the late Lieut. F. L. Smith by his superior officers in letters to his mother, Mrs. Lawrence Smith of Muswellbrook. Lieutenant-Colonel Marsh, OC., Major Munro, Captain Saunders, and Father Lonergan, officers and chaplain of his company, prove by their communications and messages of sympathy that the late soldier was one of Australia’s best and bravest sons, whose memory should be ever revered in the district in which he was born and spent his boyhood. It has been truly said that the boy is father to the man, and in his early years when attending the Muswellbrook Convent School, the late Lieutenant Smith showed qualities that afterwards brought him distinction and general esteem. His parents have received scores of messages of sympathy from all parts of the Commonwealth, as well as from the battlefield of France, and the letter from Major Munro, which herewith follows Major McLean’s official communication, shows how nobly a gallant officer can act towards the relatives of a brave lad whose worth he had learned to prize. Major McLean, officer in charge of Base Records, Melbourne, writing on the 3rd. Inst. to Mrs. Lawrence Smith, stated he had much pleasure in forwarding copy of extract from Fifth Supplement No. 30,645 to the London “Gazette, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by Lieutenant F. L Smith M.C., M.M., 1st. Army Corps, and which is as follows:-“Lieutenant Francis Lawrence Smith, M.C..M M For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when engaged on forward transport work during nine days’ operations. On three occasions he had to halt his convoy owing to the road being blown up, and in spite of heavy shelling managed to repair the road with his own transport men and so enabled the convoy to proceed.

Major E. J. Munro, No. 1 Coy. 1st Australian Div. Train, A.I.F France writes:- It is my painful duty to inform you of the death of your dear son, Frank (Lieutenant F. L Smith, M.C..M.M.) He met his end by an enemy bomb from an aeroplane on the night of the 30th. June. He was so severely wounded that he passed away about 8 a.m. on the 1st. inst. He was conscious when taken away from our camp and his last request to me was to write to you. His condition on arrival at the Casualty Clearing Station was so serious that the priest was sent for at once, and remained with him to the end. Early next day I accompanied the O.C. Lieutenant-Colonel Marsh, C.M.G. and two other officers in a car to see Frank, and was awfully shocked to find he had passed away that morning. I cannot adequately express my sympathy and that of my brother officers for you and yours in your sad bereavement. Frank was to us a brother, immensely popular with officers, N.C.O’s and men. Brave and fearless, modest to an extreme and every inch a soldier. To me it was a sad shock, as I had known Frank for 10 or 12 years. He came away with us as a Sergeant in No. 2 Company served with distinction on Gallipoli Peninsula, where he was awarded the Military Medal. He also served with me as Company Sergeant on the western frontier of Egypt, and was made a 1st-Class Warrant Officer soon after coming to France. A little later he was given his commission as a Lieutenant and has served much of his time with me as an officer in No. 1 Company, so I have had ample opportunity of observing him and knowing him. I cannot speak too highly of him as an officer and a gentleman. His death has been a sad blow to all of us, and a big loss to our train. He sleeps in the military cemetery at Longuenesse, near St. Omer, France. We are placing a cross made by men of the company (by whom he was loved) above him, and I hope to be shortly able to procure a photo of his grave which I will send you. I have already posted all small things of sentimental value to you, including his Military Cross and Military Medal All officers of the train, and many other officers, also a considerable number of N.C.O’s and men attended his funeral. In conclusion I extend to you and yours the deepest sympathy of myself and brother officers, and trust that God in His goodness and mercy will comfort you in your dark hours, and that the knowledge that Frank died as a soldier doing his duty to his country will be some slight solace to you.”” The obituary is also recorded here – http://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/smith-francis-lawrence-frank-23271

A note in his file says “Extract from folder covering photo of grave. “Buried: – Souvenir Cemetery (St Omer) Longuenesse, Grave No. 24. St. Omer. FRANCE”.” Three photos of the grave were requested and sent.

He died intestate and entry number 92303 in New South Wales Will Books reads: “Smith Francis Lawrence late of Muswellbrook & AI Force 24 March 1919 On this day letter of administration of the Estate of the said deceased was granted to Lawrence Andrew Smith of Muswellbrook Furniture (the next few words are illegible) of the said deceased Bond in the amount of £200 surety Francis Abberton of Muswellbrook Landholder intestate died at – 1 July 1918 Estate sworn at £160 10 9”. A record from the Supreme Court of New South Wales for probate jurisdiction for Lieutenant Francis Laurence Smith AIF on 24th March 1919 stated that “Administration of all an singular the estate goods chattels credits and effects of FRANCIS LAURENCE SMITH late of Muswellbrook in the State of New South Wales Lieutenant of the Australian Imperial Force on Active Service deceased intestate was and is hereby granted to LAURENCE ANDREW SMITH the father of the said deceased”. (They spelt Francis’s middle name wrong).

The AIF Kit Store in London had an inventory of effects for Lieutenant F L Smith to be sent to next of kin- Lawrence Smith of Sydney Street Muswellbrook. The effects were received from the Field on 9thJuly 1918 and included in a sealed parcel the following items: “2 Military Ribbons, Whistle & Lanyard, Fountain Pen, 1 Stud, 1 Sleeve Link, 1 “Sam Browne” Belt, 1Pr.Armlets.” They were sent on Somerset. Base Records sent a letter out on 16th May 1919 noting that on that day they had despatched “to the Senior Ordnance Officer, Ordnance Store, Circular Quay, Sydney N.S.W. for transmission to your address, one package containing the effects of the late Lieutenant F.L. Smith, MC.MM.” They asked to check they were still secure and to reply by sending enclosed printed receipt slip. It was sent to Mr L A Smith Sydney St Muswellbrook. Another package was processed by them, being received from the Field on 9th July 1918 and being a valise (sealed) containing “1 Tunic (Officers Pattern), 2 Prs.Breeches, 1 Brown Valise (Empty), 1 Sleeping Bag.” It was sent on Barambah.

The Deceased Soldier’s Section at Victoria Barracks Sydney sent a letter to Base Records in Melbourne on 28th June 1919, acknowledging their letter of the day before and enclosing Letters of Administration in the estate of Lieutenant F L Smith MC MM 1st Divisional Train. On 24th July 1919,his Form of Command was sent out.

In May 1919, Base Records sent letters to the District Paymaster at Victoria Barracks Sydney and A C Arkins about the Letters of Administration for Francis. They had requested a copy of the Letters from A C Arkins in March so that his pay and personal effects could be dealt with.

Base Records sent Laurence Smith a letter on 23rd July 1919, stating “It is my painful duty to transmit herewith one form of Commission which has been issued by the British War Office, covering the appointment of your son, the late Lieutenant F. L. Smith, M.C., M.M., 1stDivisional Train, as a temporary 2ndLieutenant in the regular forces of the British Army. This refers to first appointment to Commission and not to his later rank.”

Base Records replied to his father on 20thOctober 1919, saying “With reference to the report of the regrettable loss of your son, the late Lieutenant F. L. Smith, M.C., M.M., 1st Divisional Train, I am now in receipt of advice which shows that he was wounded in action in France on 30.6.18, and admitted to the 2nd Australian Field Ambulance. He was then transferred to 2ndAustralian Casualty Clearing Station, where he died on 1.7.18 from the effects of bomb wound thigh and knee. He was buried in Longueneese (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery. The utmost care and attention is being devoted to the graves of our fallen soldiers, and photographs are being taken as soon as possible for transmission to next-of-kin. These additional details are furnished by direction, it being the policy of the Department to forward all information received in connection with deaths of members of the Australian Imperial Force.”

His 1914-15 Star was issued on 10thSeptember 1920, mentioned in despatches certificates sent on 4th June 1920 and 14thJuly 1921, his British War Medal on 4thFebruary 1921, and his Victory medal with Oak Leaf on 5th June 1922. The pamphlet Where Australians Rest was sent on 8thJuly 1921, His Memorial Scroll was sent to his father on 20th June 1921 and his Memorial Plaque on 8th December 1922.

A letter to his father from Base Records on 7th November 1924 contained a request form from the Imperial War Graves Commission to request purchase of copies of the register of the cemetery where his son was buried. Details of where to post the form and money was listed.

Laurence passed away on 22nd August 1927 at Ford Street Muswellbrook, New South Wales. His obituary appeared in the Maitland Weekly Mercury on Saturday 27th August 1927 on page 7:

“OBITUARY.

MR. L. A. SMITH. MUSWELLBROOK.

On Monday afternoon Mr. Laurence A. Smith died at his residence, Brighton Villa, Muswellbrook. He had been an invalid for about ten years, and gradually declining, passed peacefully away in his sleep. The late Mr. Smith was a native of the Upper Hunter, had lived in Muswellbrook and neighbourhood all his life, and was 67 years of age. When a young man he followed farming pursuits, and was afterwards engaged for a long period in business in Muswellbrook. His eldest son, Lieutenant Francis L. Smith, M.C., M.M., went to the war in 1914, belonged to the 1st Army Service Corps, was decorated for gallantry, and mentioned in the despatches from Gallipoli and France, where he died from battle wounds in 1918. The late Mr. Smith possessed a genial disposition, and kindly, nature, and was a man of sterling rectitude, and highly esteemed. He is survived by his wife and three sons — Mr. W. J. Smith (Cessnock). Messrs. Harold and Cyril Smith (Muswellbrook), and his brother, Mr. John Smith, also of Muswellbrook. The funeral of the deceased took place on Tuesday afternoon, and was largely attended. The interment was in the Catholic cemetery. The customary prayers for the dead were said in St. James’ Church and at the graveside by the Rev. Father Quigley.”

In the 1930, 1936, 1937, and 1943 electoral rolls, Bridget was still living at Ford Street Muswellbrook. By the 1949 roll, she had moved to 92 Hill Street, and was there in the 1954 and 1958 rolls. At all times she was doing home duties. She passed away on 7th July 1962 in Brentwood Hospital in Muswellbrook.

A request was made in 1930 to donate his private files at the AWM and the file is recorded as [Australian War Memorial registry file:] L.A. Smith, Esq., Muswellbrook NSW [Request for donation of private records of Lieutenant Francis Lawrence Smith].

With is brothers-

William John Smith also served, enlisting in the 16th Reinforcements, 7th Australian Light Horse Regiment on 25th September 1915 as Trooper 2393. He was a carter and gave his father at Sydney Street Muswellbrook as his next of kin. He had previous service with the 6th Australian Light Horse for 6 years. He joined in West Maitland. His description was 23 years old, 5 foot 6 inches tall, weighed 142 pounds, had a chest measurement of 34 to 37 inches, and was of dark complexion with grey yes and brown hair. His religious denomination was Roman Catholic. They embarked on 18th April 1916. William was taken on strength of 2nd Light Horse Training Regiment on 10th June 1916 at Tel-el-Kebir. After being temporarily attached to Camp Headquarters on 17thJune, he was temporarily attached to Australian Training Depot on 1st July. He was then marched out to 2nd Light Horse Training Regiment at Moascar on 23rdMarch and taken on their strength on the 24th. On 23rd May, he was transferred to the 7th Light Horse Regiment and taken on strength on 29th. He was sent to hospital on 30th October 1918. William seemed to be in an out of hospital in November and December 1918. William embarked for the Dardanelles on Royal George on 14thDecember 1918 at Kantara, joining the 7thRegiment on Gallipoli on 31st December 1918. Returning to Egypt in late January 1919, he spent a few months there before embarking for Australia on 27th June 1919. He disembarked from Madras on 3rdAugust 1919 in the 2nd Military District and was discharged in 19th September 1919. William was entitled to British War and Victory medals. He was a farmer after the war. By 1943, he was a carpenter in Cessnock. In 1950 his discharge certificate was sent to him by registered post to 38 Bridge Street Cessnock as his original papers had been burnt with some others by accident. He filled out a statutory declaration stating how they had been lost. In 1936 and 1952 Repatriation Department requested service documents from Base Records on him. In the 1958 electoral roll, he had retired and was living at 46 Bridge Street Cessnock. William died in 1968.

Harold Joseph Smith spent all his live in Muswellbrook. He married Lila May Thompson (1896-1955) on 21st January 1920. In the 1930 electoral roll, they were living at Brook Street Muswellbrook and he was a labourer. By the 1936 roll they had moved to Sydney Street and he had the same occupation. It was all the same details for the 1937, 1943, 1949 and 1954 rolls. In the 1958 roll, his address was recorded as 12 Sydney Street and he was still a labourer. By the 1963 roll, he had moved to Haydon Street and was a carpenter. Harold passed away on 4th October 1968 at Muswellbrook. They had quite a few children.

Cyril Patrick Smith was in Muswellbrook in the 1930 electoral roll, living at Hunter Street and he was a carpenter. By the 1949 electoral roll, he had moved to 1 Doris Avenue Earlwood, Canterbury and was still a carpenter. He was still there in the 1963 roll with the same occupation. He passed away on 9th September 1963 and is buried in Woronora Cemetery in Sutherland. He is on the Wall of Memories Panel 21, JJ #1517.

Francis is remembered on Muswellbrook War Memorial in the Civic Square.

He is also mentioned in this article under Deaths – https://www.theherald.com.au/story/5504060/centenary-of-the-great-war/

Francis’s medals are Military Cross, Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory medal with oak leaf.