Military Medal GVR (200917 PTE. R. SMITH. 2/4 L.N.LANC:R.- T.F.); British War Medal (3113 PTE. R. SMITH. L.N.LAN.R.); Victory Medal (3113 PTE. R. SMITH. L.N.LANC.R.); Memorial Plaque (RICHARD SMITH)
3113 Private Richard Smith was born in Samesbury, Lancashire in 1888. A Labourer by trade, he attested for service with the 4th Bn. Loyal North Lancashire Regiment (Territorial Force) on 28.10.1914 whilst living at 63 Bootle St. Preston. He was 26 years old. He was sent to France in February 1917 and was Wounded in Action on 26.10.1917 while taking part in the 2/4th Loyal Lancs attack on Memling and Rubens Farms, Battle of Passchendale. During the Attack he received a Gunshot Wound to the face and it was most likely for this action that he was awarded the Military Medal for Bravery, Gazetted on 13.3.1918. He signed an acknowledgement of receipt of the medal but didn't live to wear it in civilian life.
He was Killed in Action, death presumed on 13 October 1918 - less than a month before the end of the war - The War Diary for the 1/4th Loyals on that day read: "Dawn patrols found the enemy very alert and located several MG posts W of the HUTE CANAL. Slight harassing fire on our forward posts during the day. 2Lt. W.E. Crossley wounded. 2Lt. W Taylor missing, two other ranks killed, one other rank missing."
He is buried in the Rue-David Military Cemetery.
