Royal Field Artillery
Born: 8th April 1902.
Story
Jack Smith was born in Guiseley and was a musician working in Theatre in Edinburgh when he married Myra Prince (1903-1991) in Allerton Bywater on 7th September 1929. He moved into his wife’s family home of 19 Hirst Street, Brigshaw, until the outbreak of the War, in which he served in the Central Mediterranean Force. The 15th Army Division was involved in some of the hardest fighting of the entire war. Operations carried out included: the long stalemate on the Gustav Line, with the hard-fought battles of Monte Cassino; the Anzio landings; the liberation of Rome; the assault on the Gothic Line, Operation Olive; and Operation Grapeshot. Unsurprisingly, Jack was wounded. On 17th January 1945, he wrote back to the Vicar of Kippax, Charles Ottley Ellison, and said:
“Your card, magazine, letter and gift received. Please convey my thanks to all concerned. I am in hospital, a slight accident resulting in a broken ankle; progressing favourably. This is my sixth week, and I came out of plaster today and should be fit again in a week or two. I had the good fortune to meet a neighbour of mine in this hospital from Brigshaw, Dick Street, a clerk at Allerton Bywater Colliery Office. He has been wounded in the knee, but he also is now very nicely and taking exercise prior to his discharge. We had some nice chats about home. We have a lovely little church here in hospital, and a very good male-voice choir.”
Jack passed away in 1985.
Below: three members of the German Luftwaffe, captured in Italy:
Kippax Roll of Honour 