Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire) Regiment, Service no. 4540016
Born: 3rd May 1919. Died of wounds: 5th November 1944, aged 25
Story
Walter was the son of Louis Smart (1881-1964) and Annie Rhodes (1885-1963) who married in Kippax on 26th December 1906. Louis and Annie spent their whole lives in Kippax and lived at Chapel Houses, New Street, and Lime Crescent.
Before the War, Walter worked as a Furniture Salesman, and then joined the Army as a Militiaman, just before the outbreak of War. He served two years in Iceland, and whilst on leave, Walter returned to Kippax to marry Frances Dorothy Holliday in 1943, and the couple set up home in Gibson Lane. Less than two years later, Walter passed away in hospital from injuries received during the War. His death was registered in Bradford.
Lance Corporal Smart was buried in Kippax on 9th November 1944 with full military honours, and among the many floral tributes was one from his unit.
In 1947, his widow Frances re-married Walter’s younger brother Harry Smart (1924-1976). Frances herself passed away in 1994 at the age of 72.
Kippax Roll of Honour 