Mexborough and Swinton Times August 18, 1917

Splendid Bolton Record
Seven Sons and a Son-In-Law
A Widow’s Mite

Mrs RE Smith, widow of 18, West Avenue, Bolton on Dearne, formerly of, Wath on Dearne, has all her seven sons, and a son-in-law serving with the Colours.

Gunner A.V. Smith, who in 1914 enlisted in the Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment, has been missing since May 3, 1917, and his mother would be grateful for any intelligence of him.

Private H. W. Smith, who in 1914 enlisted in a territorial battalion of the York and Lancaster’s, is serving in France. He formerly worked for Messrs Hawksworth corn millers, Bolton on Dearne.

Gunner J.E. Smith, who enlisted in 1915, is now with the RFA in Belgium.

Private J. H Smith who also enlisted in 1915, and is with the South Lancashire Regiment stationed in England. He was formerly employed at Manvers Main.

Private A H Smith, with his brother “H.W.” was employed by Mrs Oxford, enlisted in the York and Lancaster’s in 1915, and has taken part in very heavy fighting in Flanders. He is now in hospital in Belgium, recovered from wounds received on June 7.

Lance Corporal H.G. Smith, worked on the railway at Bolton on Dearne, enlisting the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment in 1950, and the station in England.

Private C.B.E. Smith, was employed by the Dearne Valley Water Works Company, enlisted in the York and Lancaster’s 1916, in his now in hospital in Malta, recovering from disease contracted in Salonika.

The son-in-law, Sapper H Pilkington (Royal Engineers) enlisted this year, and is still in England. Before enlistment he was a clerk at the Great Central Railway station, Wath on Dearne.

The eldest of the seven sons is 38 and the youngest 20.