Captain, 1st/4th Battalion The Loyal North Lancashire Battalion.
Killed in action 8th August 1916, age 21.
Remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France.
Student of dentistry.
Edward, born on 21st September 1894, was the only son of the headmaster of Upholland Grammar School, Reverend David Smith and Anna Rennard of Heapey, near Chorley. After his education at Upholland and Manchester Grammar School he joined Manchester University as a dental undergraduate.
Edward had held a commission in the army prior to entering the University rising to the rank of Lieutenant in 1913 with The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. He was promoted in 1915 to captain aged just 20 and in June 1915 went into action and was wounded at Festubert. He was killed at Guillemont in August 1916. His commanding officer commented that “he did extraordinarily good work, being first wounded in the foot, but continuing to lead his company. He was afterwards shot through the heart and killed immediately” and his brigadier characterised him as “a most gallant, able and popular officer”. He was mentioned in dispatches.