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Information about the Cross which hangs on the west wall
of the Trafford Aisle
Placed there in memory of
133469 Cpl Walter G Smith MM
Machine Gun Corps
Resident of this village
Walter Smith was one of eleven children, two of his brothers were also in the Great War,
and their mother had a cottage in New Terrace, Byfield from where she sold sweets.
He joined the London Scottish Regiment when he was 17 years old then transferred to
the Machine Gun Corps and was awarded the Military Medal for great gallantry.
He was wounded at Rumilly on the Somme, died of his wounds in Etaples military
hospital and is buried there in the military cemetery.
The original citation for his decoration was:
133469 CPL. W. G. Smith was awarded the M.M. under
Authority of VI Corps. H.R. 149 31/9/18
The official story is:-
“For great gallantry on 29/9/18 near RUMILLY. This N.C.O. showed great dash and
enterprise in the manner in which he took up a position with his machine gun in a very
exposed building.
He inflicted many casualties on the enemy, and captured 4 prisoners, and when
eventually badly wounded continued to set a splendid example of cheerfulness and grit to
the men under his command.”
You may tell Mrs. Smith this when you write.
Signed W. F. Antin. Lieut.
His mother went to France and brought back this memorial cross when it was replaced by
a military headstone.
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