P. Smith

 

We are still no closer to determining just who P. Smith was nor are we any closer to determining whether P. Smith was part of the first world war effort or that of WWII.

 

Having said that there is the possibility that either of these two boys could be the chap we seek based purely on their place of birth. However we do know that neither of these two brave young men listed below appear to have any connection to the Lavington area. The fact that they have two initials as opposed to the one indicated on the plaques has not been addressed.

 

The following information comes from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, NAA, Australian War Memorial, & Victorian BDM Index:

 

• # 1125 Lance Corporal Alfred Percival SMITH born 1889 at either Rutherglen Vic (as per Embarkation Roll) or Eldorado Vic (as per NAA Service Record & Victorian BDM Index) to parents William Edward & Elizabeth Smith nee Wellington. This chap is listed on the War Memorial at Rutherglen. Whether he went by his given name of Alfred (Alf) or chose his middle name Percival (Percy) is not known. He married Rebecca Ann Privett in 1912 possibly at Rutherglen Vic. KIA on the first day of fighting on June 7 1917 during the Battle of Messines. No known grave but listed at the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial (Panel 31) Belgium

 

• # 3481 Private Patrick Charles SMITH born 1891 Chiltern Vic. to parents Patrick & Teresa Ann Smith nee Newman. Appears not to have married. Not listed on any memorial that I can locate in the Chiltern area. Died of wounds accidentally received while on active duty en route to the 1st Australian Field Ambulance on the 4 May 1916. Extract from Court of Inquiry presided over by Major Jackson: “An accident due to the dropping of a cap from an enemy shell. The men were not aware of the danger of handling such a detached cap”. The court finds (1) That is was an accident. (2) The soldiers were on duty at the time. (3) That no blame is attached. France [Fleurbaix] 5/5/16. Interred at Sailly-sur-la-Lys Cemetery near Estaires Rev Father J. Hearn 2nd Infantry Brigade Headquarters presided.

 

---------(O)---------

 

Although this young man's name appears on the plaques attached to the gates of the entrance to the Urana Road Oval absolutely nothing has been discovered about him.

 

If we believe that he participated in WWI this young man, known only by the rather stark designation of “P. Smith”, has spent the last 100 years alone and unrecognized.

 

If his identity had been uncovered by those engaged in compiling the names for inclusion on the plaques on the Memorial Gates back in 1957 then that identity has, sadly, slipped quietly back into the murky mists of time.

 

Although his name will be etched into the marble plaques at the Memorial Gates for all time, "P. Smith" still remains, as Sir Winston Churchill once called mother Russia: "a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma"- the Unknown Soldier.

 

Moreover, even though a purposeful and diligent search has been undertaken in an attempt to unmask this mystery man’s identity we are faced with the forlorn hope of never finding that elusive clue that links him to the Lavington area.

 

No family to remember and love him.

 

No one to place a poppy on the plaques near his name.

 

No one to give thanks for the sacrifice he so generously made.

 

No one to call him by name.

 

But he will be remembered in April 2015, and ensuing Anzac Days, even if only for a few fleeting moments … his name will be called out along with those whose names rest beside his for eternity …

　

 

 

There are some that go for love of a fight

And some for love of a land,

And some for a dream of the world set free

Which they barely understand.

 

A drearn of the world set free from Hate--

But splendidly, one and all,

Danger they drink as 'twere wine of Life

And jest as they reel and fall.

 

Clean aims, rare faculties, strength and youth,

They have poured them freely forth

For the sake of the sun-steeped land they left

And the far green isle in the north.

 

What can we do to be worthy of them,

Now hearts are breaking for pride?

Give comfort at least to the wounded men

And the kin of the man that died.

 

Australia's Men

 

Isobel Marion Dorothea McKeller OBE 1885~1968