Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

Gunner A V Smith, was serving with the Machine Gun Section of the 2/6^th Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment when he passed through Peterborough East Station on 18 July 1916. While signing the visitors’ book, he wrote a poem about the differences between Paris and Yorkshire, suggesting that he hailed from Yorkshire.

“When in Rome Boys, you can do as Roman’s do

But in Paree Boys if you cannot  (Parley Voo)

Take a tip from me just say Wee.Wee

There Hearty but Haughty in gay Paree

But when in Yorkshire dear old Yorkshire

Where they never make a boast

If they see you looking sad, well its come & sup up lad

When in Yorkshire you’re one of the Bo-uys.”

It has not been possible to positively identify this soldier, as his service record has not survived, but we are fairly certain from our research, that he is Albert Victor Smith who was born in Woodhall, Yorkshire in 1895.

In 1911,  Albert (16) is living at 85 Newhill, West Melton, Rotherham with his parents James Henry (63), a gardener, and Rachel Ann (nee Bullen) (56) and nine siblings.  Albert was an errand boy.

Albert joined up in Guiseley, Yorkshire and served in France.  He was killed in action on 3 May 1917, aged 22 years.  He is remembered on Bay 6 of the Arras Memorial, France.  He was awarded the British War and Allied Victory Medals.

Albert’s older brother Arthur Herbert who served with the Yorks and Lancaster Regiment was killed in action in France on 30 March 1918.  He is also remembered on the Arras Memorial.

Does this story sound familiar?  Please get in touch if you can help us to positively identify this soldier.