Smyth, Robert - "Missing from the Roll of Honour"

Sergeant Robert Smyth

Smyth was born around 1876 (date and location not found) and was the son of George Rock Smyth and Elizabeth Smyth. His surname is sometimes recorded as Smythe.

Following his education, Smyth may have joined the Northern Banking Company around 1893 (about 17 years old).

In 1901, Smyth (25) was living in house 11, Cullybackey Road, Ballymena with his parents and 3 siblings; Lizzie Moore (23), Harriette (20) and George (29). Robert's occupation is recorded as a Bank Clerk. 

By 1911, the family address is now recorded as house 16, Cullybackey Road, Ballymena. Smyth is living with his parents and his 2 sisters. Again, Robert's occupation is recorded as a Bank Clerk. Brother George is now living in house 2.1 Charlotte Street, Ballymoney with his wife and 3 young children aged 5 and under.

Smyth , aged 38, volunteered and enlisted at London on 16th July 1915 into the 1st Bn. Welsh Guards as a Guardsman with Service Number 1820. He would have been aged 40 at this time. His address is recorded as 'Woodbine Cottages', Ballymena.

R Smyth - Enlistment Papers 
(Occupation - Bank Official)

Robert Smythe - Medal Index Card

Smyth records that he served in France from 26th September 1916 to 15th April 1919 as a Corporal, Lance Sergeant and then a Sergeant. However, his 'first theatre of war' section on the Medal Index Card above has not been completed.

Robert Smyth - Military History Sheet

During his career in the army, Smyth was promoted from Guardsman (Gdsm) to::

• 2nd November 1915 - Appointed unpaid Lance Corporal - at London
• 14th March 1916 - Promoted Corporal and appointed T/Sgt - at Tower of London

Unfortunately, Robert had a few disciplinary actions taken against him:

• L/Cpl - 23rd November 1916 - 'Continual  (?) regulation' and 'severely reprimanded'
• L/Cpl - 30th November 1916 -  Gross neglect of duty' and 'deprived of lance stripe'
• T/Sgt - 14th October 1919 - 'Conduct to the prejudice etc' and sentenced to be 'reduced to the ranks' with '112 days detention'
• Gdsm - 3rd February 1920 - 'Discharged for misconduct'

According to the Medal Index Card, Smyth was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. His 'Military History Sheet' is annotated '1914/15 Star' in section 9 - Medals.

Following his demobilisation, Smyth applied for an Army Pension and completed the army document (below) known as a 'Statement By A Soldier Concerning His Own Case' [*] on 17th January 1920.  He stated that he had 'varicose veins and debility' and had also been treated in Ballymena Cottage Hospital for appendicitis.

In Section 7 of the document, Smyth records his employer before joining the army as the Northern Banking Company Limited, Belfast.

[*]  The document was obtained (via Ancestry) by Alan Rosborough who is a researcher for the Cullybackey & District Historical Society.

  

The writer has a set of 13 pages from Smyth's army career with copies of a few displayed above.