Current Information:

Age-32

7, Elsden Road, Tottenham

The 2nd Royal Irish Fusiliers battalion were in India when the war started in August, 1914, but they soon returned to England where they joined 82 Brigade, 27th Division which landed in France in December, 1914. 82 Brigade took over the St Eloi sector, south of Ypres where they stayed until mid-March.

On 12th February, 1915, 2nd Royal Irish Fusiliers moved into support trenches at Dickebusch and were called into action on 14th February when they took part in a counterattack after the trenches held by the 1st Leinster battalion had been heavily shelled and then occupied by the enemy. During this action William Smith was killed.