EDWARD SMITH
3 March 1879 - 2 September 1918
At School 1892 - 1895
Pte 12452 12th Manchester Regt
Edward was born in Chorlton on Medlock and in 1891, aged 12, was living at 61 Clyde Road, Didsbury, with father Edward, a Chartered Accountant, Estate and Insurance Agent, mother Mary, one older sister, two younger brothers, a younger sister and a domestic servant. By 1901, the family had moved to 73 Clyde Road and Edward was working as an insurance clerk, presumably in his father's business. By 1911, Edward was still living at home but was now a railway clerk.
On the outbreak of war, Edward volunteered to join the army and in September 1914 enlisted in the Manchester Regiment, being posted to the 19th Battalion (4th City Pals), D Company, No. 15 Platoon, and is somewhere on the photograph opposite. The Battalion was formed on 2nd September and was recruited to strength by the 16th. Training commenced at the City Hall and Hulme Cavalry Barracks and in October moved to Belle Vue Gardens.
On 30th November, the Battalion marched to the prepared training area at Heaton Park and joined up with the other 3 City Pals Battalions. In April 1915 the Battalion left Manchester for Belton Park, near Grantham, Lincolnshire, and in September moved to Larkhill Camp, Salisbury Plain, to complete their training. Finally, on 7th November, the Battalion entrained to Southampton and departed for France, disembarking at Le Havre the following day.