Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Mr and Mrs W. Smith. The War Diary for the 23rd March 1918 records. Morning very misty. 7.00am. Enemy attacked again and effected crossing on right and left flanks of Brigade front. 10.00am. owing to flanks being turned order received from Brigade to retire to ridge in front of FAILLOUEL. 1.00pm. Retirement successfully carried out and position taken up. FAILLOUEL 4.00pm. Position in front of FAILLOUEL became untenable owing to high ground of left flank falling into hands of enemy. Order therefore received to fall back to high ground west of village. 7.00pm. Received orders to rendezvous Battalion and march back to CAILLOUEL. Details heavily engaged in fighting near ROUEZ CAMP, finally falling back on VILLEQUIER AUMONT. Casualties to date:
(a) Officers
1 Killed 2nd Lt. WINMILL
4 Wounded
Captain W. W. COLLEY
2nd Lt. R. S. HEARD
2nd Lt. N. C. E. COCKBURN
2nd Lt. C. H. PIERCE
1 Wounded & Missing 2nd Lt. R. A. STILES
1 Missing 2nd Lt. R. W. COUTTS
(b) Other Ranks
Killed 22
Wounded 140
Wounded & Missing 4
Missing 99