James Russell Smith

Rank:

Corporal

Regimental number:

472486

Unit at enlistment:

125th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Wounded:

Yes

Date of death:

November 5th, 1917

Cemetery:

Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery - Poperinge, Belgium - XXI.EE.20A.

Birth country:

Canada

Birth county:

Brant

Birth city:

Newport, Ontario

Address at enlistment:

RR 3 Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

RR 3 Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Farmer

Religious denominations:

Church of England

Marital status:

Single

Age at enlistment:

Image gallery:

Letters and documents

Cause and Place of Death: Died of Wounds. No. 3 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station.

BX November 21, 1917

Corporal James Russell Smith Died of Wounds

Two days after Mr. And Mrs. Robinson Smith, of R.R. No. 2 Burtch, had received a telegram reporting the wounding of their son, Corporal James Russell Smith they received the word that he had died of his wounds. It was on Nov 11 that a telegram was received stating that he had been dangerously wounded and admitted in No. 3 Casualty Clearing hospital on Nov 5, suffering from gunshot wounds in the head and left arm. Then on Nov. 13 another telegram brought the sad news that he had died of his wounds the same day he was admitted to the hospital. Corp Smith had been at the front two years, having enlisted when only 19 years of age. He went overseas with the first Brant County Battalion and previously worked on the home farm. He went to France with the first draft and dropped his stripes to go. While in Brantford with the 125th Battalion he won the prize, a compass for being the best scout. All along in his letters home he declared help would have to be forthcoming, even by conscription.

BX November 24, 1917

Corporal James Russell Smith Made the Supreme Sacrifice

A gloom was cast over the neighborhood on Wednesday last when it was learned that Corporal James Russell Smith of the 125th Battalion had made the supreme sacrifice. Out of respect to the memory of Corp. Smith, who resided here all his life prior to his departure overseas, the flag at the school was flying at half mast on Thursday. The deepest sympathy is being expressed to the bereaved parents, brother and sister who are left to mourn his loss. A memorial service will be held in the church Sunday afternoon.

BX April 16, 1917

District Casualties

Two Brantford men are reported wounded in the lengthy casualty list issued this morning, these casualties following on the great triumphs of the Canadians during the past week. Privates James Russell Smith and Richard Beattie Draper. Pte. Draper is reported dangerously ill.