Lives of the First World War

Image supplied by Jacob's great niece.

In descending order of age Charles Edwin and John Arthur (twins) Margaret Elizabeth James Francis Jacob Hardy

This poppy was planted at The Tower of London in October 2014 in memory of Lieutenant Jacob Hardy Smith, D.S.O. M.C.1889-1916 by his Great Niece, Prudie Robbins

A wristwatch that belonged to Jacob and has been retained by his family. Currently held by his great niece, Prudie Robbins

A copy of Jacob's birth certificate, showing his date of birth, family details and information about his registration.

Jacob trained with the Nottingham Officer Training Corps before accepting a full commission. He is therefore commemorated on this plaque which is displayed in the Trent Building at the University of Nottingham

JH Smith listed on award rolls

The Smith Family Archive holds letters that Jacob sent from the battle front to his niece Joan, together with a drawing he did of his dugout

The Smith Family Archive holds letters that Jacob sent from the battle front to his niece Joan, together with a drawing he did of his dugout.

The Smith Family Archive holds letters that Jacob sent from the battle front to his niece Joan, together with a drawing he did of his dugout.

The Smith Family Archive holds letters that Jacob sent from the battle front to his niece Joan, together with a drawing he did of his dugout.

The Smith Family Archive holds letters that Jacob sent from the battle front to his niece Joan, together with a drawing he did of his dugout.

Copy of Jacob's Last Will and Testament. England and Wales National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations) 1858-1966

Copy of Jacob's Last Will and Testament. England and Wales National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations) 1858-1966

Captain J Hardy Smith DSO MC Rifle Brigade 29th August 1916 Is it well with the child? It is well.

Smith, Captain, JACOB HARDY, D.S.O, 3rd Bn. Rifle Brigade. Died of wounds, received at Guillemont, 29th August 1916. Age 27. M.C. Son of John and Margaret Hardy Smith, of Leicester. VI.A.17

6th Battalion, The Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own), Corporal Jacob Hardy Smith, from Nottingham University College Contingent, Officers Training Corps, to be Second Lieutenant (on probation). Dated 14th February, 1914

Text: He was the son of John and Margaret Hardy Smith. The 1911 census records, John Hardy Smith, Head of the family and a Leather Merchant and Manufacturer, born 1838 in Aston on Trent, Derbyshire, and his wife, Fanny Margaret, born 1849 at Castle Donington, Leicestershire. Jacob Hardy Smith, a Leather Dresser, born 1889 in Leicester. The family resided at 1, Granville Road, Leicester. On 31st January 1920 the Wyggeston Grammar School for Boys in Leicester published a Roll of Honour in which Jacob is shown to have been a pupil at the school between the years 1901 and 1903. He was the recipient of two awards or bravery, a Distinguished Service Order and a Military Cross. An extract from the Roll of Honour records, 'He led his company with great determination in two attacks, and it was mainly due to his training and fine example that the company did so well after losing very heavily. He was badly wounded in a fight with two enemy officers, both of whom he killed.'

A medal card showing Jacob's award.

A card referring to Jacob

A card referring to Jacob's mention in the Gazette

A photograph from the family collection. Jacob is 3rd from left

This is at Claysmore School which Jacob entered in 1905

Jacobs silver wallet

Inside of wallet

Entry in Memorial Book at Claysmoor School

An entry on Jacob in the University of Nottingham magazine 'The Gong', Vol 11. June 1917

With added inscription

D.S.O., M.C., British War Medal, Victory Medal and 1914 Star (Mons)

Portrait in uniform

Explanation of Jacob's Medals and Awards. Note: The Croix de Guerre avec Palmes was awarded, but not received.

To a Commission in the Special Reserve of Officers

As before

Certificate issued by Prof. of Chemistry and Captain of the O.T.C. at Nottingham University

To join the 6th Btn. Rifle Brigade, in the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, signed by Commanding Officer.

Jacob's medical report.

Informing family that Jacob had been wounded

To Jacob's father, giving permission to visit his son at in Abbeville, France.

Or substitute other family member.

Advising that he was sending his wife and son to represent him as he was old and infirm.

Stating that she needed to be accompanied.

For Jacob's mother to visit him in Abbeville, France.

For Charles, Jacob's brother, to accompany their mother to France.

Advising the death of Jacob.

From the Hospital to The War Office, asking them not to send a death telegram, until after Friday.....

War Office Certificate of Death

Advising Jacob's family that he has been buried in Abbeville Communal Cemetery.

Story about Jacob

A story about Jacob

Compiled for the Family Memorial Book.

Taken at Kemmel

Remembered by his Great Great Nephew, Richard Robbins, who created this image.

By his Great Great Niece, Poppy and her children.

By his Great Great Nephew, Dan and his children.

St James Church, Shardlow, Derbyshire

https://livesofthefirstworldwar.org/lifestory/4120482#images

St James' Church, Shardlow, Derbyshire

Visit to Jacob's Grave on the 100th Anniversary of his death on 29th August 1916

Jacob as a pupil aged 16 ,Trinity Term 1905

Admission details for entering Clayesmore School in Trinity Term, 1905

Jacob would be about 6 months old. James Francis would be about 2 years old.