Smith, George Batteson 200352 (1894 - 1918)

Sergeant, 9th Bn. Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

Buried at Harlebeke New British Cemetery

Commemorated at Govan High School Roll of Honour 1914-1919

George Smith worked as a library assistant at the University of Glasgow before enlisting with the Cameronians.

He received a military medal on the 10th March 1915.

George Smith worked as a library assistant at the University of Glasgow before enlisting with the Cameronians.

He received a military medal on the 10th March 1915.

His obituary in the Govan Press, 1st November 1918:

"SERGEANT GEORGE B. SMITH KILLED

Well liked Drumoyne figure

We regret to announce the death in action in France on October 20th of George B. Smith, Scottish Rifles, elder son of Mr and Mrs George Smith of 3 Drumoyne Terrace, Govan.

Sergeant Smith was one of the first of the Govan lads to go when the call came at the outbreak of the war and it was his keenest regret that his teeth alone prevented his going abroad with the very first draft of his battalion.

He did arduous and useful home service for a time and ultimately proceeded abroad where he has since seen much very heavy fighting. George Smith was an old Fairfield Higher Grade boy - a bright and easy personality whom a privilege it was to know as a friend and a delight to have as a chum.

He was an enthusiast in all things towards which he turned and his interests were remarkably varied. The league football team of the school never had a keener member and a more wholehearted player, and at back George was a tower of strength to his club and an insurmountable obstacle to the opposition. He was one of those dogged defenders who never admitted defeat and he was as keen when the final whistle went as at the commencement of the game.

As he was on the playing field, so he was in other walks of life; an unassuming personality who never thrust himself forward but an indefatigable worker for any cause with which he allied himself. He left school somewhat unexpected to take up a post in the library of the University of Glasgow, which he only vacated to go on service. In the work of Govan Parish Church he took an active part and by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances he was held in the highest of esteem.

(Credit: Govan Press. Courtesy of Govan High School)