More about William Smith

William is believed to be the brother of Pte John Smith, 7655, 2nd Battalion, Cameron Highlanders, who was killed in action, 10.05.1915.

William Smith   8996   2nd Royal Scots

DUNDEE SOLDIER MEETS DEATH

AT HANDS OF GERMAN SNIPER.

Private William Smith, of the 2nd Royal Scots, a Dundee reservist, has paid the extreme price for his country.

The intimation of his death is contained in a letter addressed to a friend in Dundee by Private A. McLaren, of the same regiment, in the course of which he says :–“We have just had a heavy artillery duel, along with some rifle firing, and I am sorry to tell you that another gallant Dundee soldier, 8996, Private W. Smith, has met his death at the hands of a German sniper.”

Private Smith was a particularly cheery fellow, and previous to being called up was employed in Trades Lane Calender, where he was highly respected.  He leaves a widow and one child, who are residing with his mother at 7 North Lindsay Street.

A sad circumstance in connection with Private Smith’s death is the fact that his brother, whom he had not seen for eight years, and who in every letter to his mother asked, “How is Willie doing?” is coming home to Dundee this week-end.  He is a member of the 2nd Cameron Highlanders, belonging to the Indian contingent.

Dundee Courier 5th December 1914