Rank: Private 24353 Regiment: 1st Bn, Hampshire Regiment Died: 31 December 1917 Parish: Merton Local Memorials: Merton Memorial Plaque Other Memorial: Windmill British Cemetery, Monchy-le-Preux [Google] PDF Download: SMALE William
Records indicate that William Smale was born around 1894 and as a boy lived at Great Potheridge Cottage. He was the son of Henry Smale who was a carter on the farm on which their home stood.
Great Potheridge has a prestigious military history, with the main house having been the seat of the Monke (also spelt Monk or Monck) family, including General George Monck who was instrumental in the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, having previously fought in Ireland and Scotland for the Commonwealth Parliament.
In the Great War, Private 24353 William Smale served in the 1st Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment, which was a regular army unit.
He is remembered with honour on the memorial in the church in Merton, and at the Windmill British cemetery at Monchy-Le-Preux in France.
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