The Barry Hobbs Collection of Great War Medals

Three: Private P. G. Smith, 1st Battalion, Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment), who was killed in action at Hooge, during the First Battle of Ypres, on 17 November 1914

1914 Star (9061 Pte. P. G. Smith. 1/Wilts: R.) in named card box of issue with Record Office transmission slip and outer OHMS envelope addressed to, ‘Mrs T. Smith, Telfont Magna, Nr Salisbury, Wilts.’; British War and Victory Medals (9061 Pte. P. G. Smith. Wilts. R.) in named card boxes of issue with Record Office transmission slip and outer OHMS envelope, similarly addressed; together with brass ‘Bed Plate’ inscribed, ‘P. G. Smith. 9051. Wiltshire. Regt.’ and a portrait photograph of the recipient in uniform, extremely fine (3) £200-£240

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Barry Hobbs Collection of Great War Medals.

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Percy Gordon Smith was born in Teffont Magna, Wiltshire and having attested for the Wiltshire Regiment in September 1913, he served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 14 August 1914. His battalion was heavily shelled facing Mons on 23 August and also when they suffered approximately 100 casualties at Caudry three days later. Following the retreat from Mons, the 1st Wiltshires began their advance from Châtres on 6 September and crossed the Aisne on 14 September, suffering heavy losses near Vailly (14 -22 September) and also the following month at Neuve Chapelle during the battle of La Bassé.

Private Smith was killed in action on 17 November 1914 during the First Battle of Ypres. The War Diary of the 1st Wiltshire Regiment described the day’s activities as follows:
‘In action. 1st Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment are in trenches at Hooge. Shelling started about 9am. In fantry attack about 10.30am. At noon about 150 Germans got into D Company’s trenches. At 12.10 a platoon of D Company executed a bayonet charge against them, and drive them out killing about 50 Germans, and wounding many others. They then started to shell D Company very heavily, also using mortar. Major Roche killed by a Shell. Lieutenant Browne seriously wounded. 2nd Lieutenant Chandler killed by bullet wound. Lieut. Goodhart took over duties of Adjutant vice Lieeut. Browne wounded. 11 killed, 15 wounded.’

Private P. G. Smith was the son of Thomas and Margaret Smith, of Teffont Magna, Salisbury and, having no known grave, is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.