Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of James Smith a painter, born 1847 in Waltham, Leicestershire, and his wife Elizabeth Smith (nee Phipps, married in the 1st quarter of 1875 in the Leicester district), born 1851 in Peterborough, Northamptonshire. Wilfred Phipps was born in the 3rd quarter of 1880 in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, his siblings were, Florence, a schoolgirl, born 1876, Millicent, born 1877 and Ethel, born 1879, all his siblings were born in Melton Mowbray, in April 1881 the family were residing at Burgins Lane, Waltham on the Wolds, this being the family home of Wilfred’s widowed paternal grandmother, Ann Smith, born 1816 in Wymeswold, Leicestershire, also residing in the family home was his aunt, Elizabeth Smith, a cook, born 1842 in Wymeswold, and his cousin, John Smith, a gardener, born 1863 in Waltham. In April 1891 Wilfred was residing in the family home at Union Street, Melton Mowbray, together with his father, a painter, his mother and siblings, Millicent, Ethel, Ralph, born 1882, Alic, born 1886 and Lewis James, born 1889, the latter three siblings were all born in Melton Mowbray. In March 1901 Wilfred was a student and was residing in the family home at 46, Egerton Road, Melton Mowbray, together with his father, a painter, his mother and siblings, Millicent, a teacher, Ralph, a painter and decorator, Alic, Lewis and Bertie, born in the 1st quarter of 1893 in Melton Mowbray. In April 1911 Wilfred was absent from the family home at Willow Cottages, 46, Egerton Road, Melton Mowbray, residing there was his father, a spout artist, his mother and siblings, Millicent, an elementary school teacher, Leiws, a paperhanger and Bertie, a student teacher, Wilfred was an assistant master in an elementary school and was residing as a visitor at Ramsdal Villas, Church Lane, Romiley, Cheshire. His younger brother Bertie also fell in action.
The War Diary records: 23 Mar-18 – BLAIREVILLE. I took over Field Ambulance like at BLAIREVILLE from 136 Field Ambulance, as a MAIN DRESSING STATION. I detailed Captain’s W. L. SMITH and V. MASON, R.A.M.C and 80 men to proceed to HAMBLINCOURT and report to Officer Commanding 95th Field Ambulance for duty.
The War Diary records: 24 Mar-18 – BLAIREVILLE. Many wounded of all Divisions came in. In the afternoon I received word that Captain MASON had been severely wounded, Captain SMITH slightly wounded and that 7 other ranks were killed and 6 wounded, one dying later. Sergeant CRUIKSHANKS was amongst the killed.
The War Diary records: 25 Mar-18 – BLAIREVILLE. 40 other ranks returned from work at A.D.S. HAMBLINCOURT. This A.D.S. moved back to ADINFER this morning.
On Friday July 9th 1915 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – WESLEYAN ROLL OF HONOUR. The Wesleyan Roll of Honour was read at last Sunday’s service in the Wesleyan Church, Melton Mowbray, the following additions having been made during the past month:- Elliott Brook, Arthur Newton, Wilfred Smith, and Richard Bullimore.
On Friday April 12th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – MELTONIAN’S LAST BRAVE ACT. – KILLED WHILE BRINGING IN WOUNDED SOLDIER. – Much sympathy will be extended to Mr. and Mrs. James Smith, Willow Cottage, Egerton rd., Melton Mowbray, in the loss they have sustained by the death of their eldest son, Pte. W. P. Smith, R.A.M.C., who gave his life in saving a wounded comrade. The sad news was conveyed to them in the following letter received on Tuesday from the Rev. R. Hayward, chaplain attached to the 93rd Field Ambulance, B.E.F.: “3rd April, 1918. Dear Mrs. Smith, Probably you have had official intimation by now that your son Pte. W. P. Smith, R.A.M.C. (No. 60374) was killed on or about the 23rd March, and I am writing to offer you my heartfelt sympathy in your sore bereavement. I was not near at the time, owing to being at another station, but I learn that he was killed while in the act of endeavouring to bring in a wounded man. All the officers and men are heartily sorry, and greatly sympathise with you in your loss. It might, I think, somewhat mitigate the pangs of sorrow to learn that he was engaged in the merciful work of succouring others. “Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John xv.13. Our hearts are sad, but look up! That our Heavenly Father may comfort you in your affliction and give you His abundant peace is my heartfelt wish and earnest prayer. Yours faithfully, Richard Hayward, C.F.” Deceased was 37 years of age and was educated at Melton Mowbray British School. After undergoing a further course at Westminster Training College he received an appointment as assistant master at North Walsall School, and remained there up to the time of his voluntary enlistment in June, 1915. He was also a teacher at the Walsall Technical School. His youngest brother, Bert, was killed last year.