SMITH, William Henry

William Smith attended Halesowen C of E school and enlisted in the Worcesters. He was sent to the 9th Battalion who in early 1916 were transferred from Gallipoli to Mesopotamia. The reinforcements were unable to relieve Kut before it capitulated but this city remained the objective. Forces were built up and the decision was made to advance up the Tigris and capture Kut. The Worcesters attacked at Amara on the 25th January and suffered heavy casualties in terrain without cover. One of those who died was Private William Smith who was killed on the 28th January and is commemorated on the Basra, Halesowen and Halesowen C of E school Memorials.