Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday November 22nd, 1915

Ravenstone Hero's Death - Killed while trying to save a wounded comrade

Further details concerning the death of Corpl. Percy Lawrence Smith, of the 1st Hampshire Regiment, killed in action, show that he was shot when trying to rescue a wounded comrade.

In a letter written to the deceased soldier’s wife, who is residing with her mother, Mrs Prew, of the Home Farm, Ravenstone, a comrade of the deceased, a stranger to Mrs Smith, who attaches the signature of E. Allen, states that Corpl. Smith was very popular with all ranks and all his friends were grieved very much at his death. He would be sadly missed. The writer continues, “But it may be some consolation to you to know that he died a hero’s death whilst trying to save the life of a comrade who had been buried through the blowing in of a portion of the trench. You will also be relieved to know that his death was practically instantaneous and that he suffered no pain.”

All the men of the deceased’s platoon expressed sincere sympathy with the widow. Another letter written to the deceased’s sister by Quarter-Master Sergeant E. Hindley, also states that Corpl. Smith was nobly doing his duty at the time that he was struck. “He was liked by all in the company,” the writer continues, “and I have lost a good comrade, for if anything required doing at the time he always volunteered to do it. He was always very cheerful and hopeful of returning to his home and friends some day. He was as peacefully buried as the circumstances would permit and he still had a smile on his face. I can assure you the whole company feel the loss of such a good comrade, especially to lose one who was doing his best to help a fallen comrade.”

Corpl. Smith was 30 years of age and leaves a widow a child, 18 months old, the former being a daughter of the late ex-P.C. Prew, of the Home Farm, Ravenstone, who when in the County Constabulary was stationed for many years of Hugglescote. The deceased soldier was a reservist and was called up on the outbreak of war, having served a number of years in the regular army after the South African War, through which he served as a volunteer. When called up he was working at the Ellistown Colliery and resided on the Swannington Road, Ravenstone.

Research undertaken and submitted (including photograph from the Coalville Times) by Andy Murby 11/10/2017