James Smith

Private James Smith

S/3590 Private

‘C’ Company, 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, 8th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Division

Age: 23

Date of Death: 2.6.15

Buried: Menin Gate Memorial Panel 38

Family history: Son of John and Margaret Smith, 2 Union Place, Grangemouth. He had a brother and four sisters and was employed as a crane man before he enlisted on 31 August 1914.

The action leading to his death

The Battalion was in the line at Hooge. Their trenches were subjected to heavy German artillery fire which commenced at 6.30am and went on for the day. Hooge village taking much of the enemies fire. The Battalion had 22 men killed and 46 wounded.

Trench Map with the trench lines at Hooge

Private John Inkster also from Grangemouth died in the same action.

His death and that of James was reported by Private Charles McKerracher

in a letter their parents. Charles McKerracher was to be killed on 2 March 1916.

Medals Awarded

1915 Star, Victory Medal, British War Medal

Medal Index Card