Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of George Murray Smith, living on private means, born 1859 in Middlesex and his wife Ellen Murray Smith (nee Strutt, married on the 22nd October 1885 in St. Helena’s Church, West Leake, Nottinghamshire), living on her own means, born 1861 in Kingston on Soar, Nottinghamshire. Geoffrey Murray Smith was born in 1896 in Nottinghamshire and was baptised on the 9th February 1896 in St. Helena’s Church, West Leake, Nottinghamshire, he had one sibling, a sister Elizabeth Maud Murray, born 1900 in Gumley, Leicestershire, in March 1901 the family home was at The Bell, Gumley. In April 1911 Geoffrey was absent from the family home at Gumley Hall, Gumley, residing there was his father, living on private means, his mother, living on private means and his siblings, Arthur George Murray, living on private means, born on the 27th September 1886 in Middlesex, John Edward Murray, living on private means, born 1890 in Middlesex and Elizabeth, living on private means, Geoffrey was a school pupil, and was residing as a boarder at Eton College, Buckinghamshire.
The War Diary records: 29 Sept-15 – On the morning of the 28th The Germans bombed down LITTLE WILLY and NORTH FACE and after a heavy fight were only just kept out by No.4 Company coming up in support of the EAST SURREY REGIMENT. No.2 Company also advanced to straighten the line, but could not go far as their right was threatened by Germans bombing down SOUTH FACE. Shelling was fairly heavy that afternoon and the heaviest attack of all took place down SOUTH FACE and the MIDDLESEX REGIMENT evacuated BIG WILLY, leaving the flank of No.2 Company in the air. The Germans bombed down WESTERN FACE driving No.2 Company back to almost the head of the communication trench leading from the supports. The counter attack of 1 Company YORK & LANCASTER REGIMENT from the supports failed, and eventually after heavy loss, No.2 Company supported by No.4 Company drove the Germans out of WESTERN FACE and BIG WILLY and that evening blocked SOUTH FACE. The position was organised. The ROYAL FUSILIERS and YORK & LANCASTER REGIMENT holding WESTERN FACE and a Company of the KING’S OWN YORKSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY extending along BIG WILLY in touch with the SUFFOLK REGIMENT.
30 Sept-15 – On the morning and afternoon of the 30th all bombing attacks were repulsed, these taking place down SOUTH FACE. Bomb stores were fixed up all along the WESTERN FACE and reliefs of bombers kept in readiness by Captain SUTTON to be sent where required. During the tour the following officers were killed and wounded.
Killed Officers.
Captain R. S. SCHOLEFIELD. 28.9.15.
Lieutenant G. MURRAY SMITH. 29.9.15.
2nd Lieutenant S. W. BOWES. 29.9.15.
2nd Lieutenant J. E. BULL. 29.9.15.
2nd Lieutenant G. A. L. OHLMANN. 29.9.15.
2nd Lieutenant J. U. C. BOLTON. 29.9.15.
Officers wounded.
Captain and Adjutant B. W. GOSTLING. 28.9.15.
Captain P. G. BARTON. 29.9.15.
Captain C. H. SYKES. 30.9.15.
Lieutenant H. REDDAWAY. 28.9.15.
Lieutenant E. M. WHILE. 30.9.15.
2nd Lieutenant A. J. R. CLARK. 29.9.15.
2nd Lieutenant J. V. JONES. 29.9.15.
2nd Lieutenant R. L. BALD. 28.9.15.
2nd Lieutenant J. BESSEL. 29.9.15.
2nd Lieutenant J. R. DYER. 29.9.15.
2nd Lieutenant D. D. PARSONS. 29.9.15.
2nd Lieutenant H. L. HARTELL. 29.9.15.
Other ranks.
Killed 69.
Wounded 224.
Missing 48.
On Friday October 8th 1915 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “DISTRICT WAR ITEMS.” – LIEUT. GEOFFREY MURRAY SMITH KILLED IN ACTION. Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. Geo. Murray-Smith of Gumley Hall, have been notified that their youngest son, Lieutenant Geoffrey Murray-Smith of the Royal Fusiliers, was amongst the killed in the recent advance in Flanders. Great sympathy is felt for the bereaved parents, this being their second son killed during the war, their eldest son meeting his death in November last. The remaining son, Lieutenant Jack Murray-Smith, who is with the Colours, has already been wounded. Geoffrey Murray-Smith was only 19 years of age, but was a splendid specimen of British manhood, standing over 6ft. 3in.