Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Joseph Smith. The 1911 census records for All Hallows Street, Ordsall, Retford, Notts. Joseph Smith, head of the family and a widower, a Retired Farmer Old Age Pensioner, born 1840 in Kexby, Lincs., also Kate, daughter, single and a Housekeeper to her Father, born 1883 in Gainsborough, Lincs. and Tom Joseph, son, single and a Gentlemen's Outfitters Shop Assistant, born 1895 in Littleborough, Notts. The War Diary for the 11th March 1916 records. HOOGE. Flammenwerfer demonstration held near “A” Camp at which 25 were detailed to attend. Early morning very quiet. Wind in east. At 5.30am the enemy commenced throwing bombs on the STABLES, most of them however, falling short. A few fell in trench behind STABLES and a few in trench occupied by “D” Company. Our bombers replied, throwing about 100 bombs. At 6.15am our artillery sent five shells into their front line trench and later some on our right, upon which enemy quietened down. At 8.15am enemy transport heard on MENIN ROAD. Enemy artillery shelled HOOGE and bend of GRAFTON STREET with High Explosive and Whizzbangs between 2.00pm and 2.45pm. SANCTUARY WOOD also heavily shelled. Our artillery retaliated. No casualties caused by the enemy fire. WORK DONE. Strong traverse built at left end of C.4. C.3. cleared. Enemy shelled SANCTUARY WOOD and MENIN ROAD actively during the night and early morning. Working party of 100 for ROYAL ENGINEERS found by “B” Company.