Robert had only been in France for 11 weeks before he was wounded and taken to a casualty clearing station where he died.
Teesdale Mercury-19/09/1917: In memoriam
Robert was one of the six sons of John and Margaret (nee Stout) Smith to serve in the War and the first of their five who lost died. His brotherss Frederick, George Henry, Alfred and John William (Stout) also lost their lives. Alf's death prompted Mrs Bircham to write to the Queen regarding the "Heavily Bereaved" family. Wilf was given an official discharge and returned in the autumn of 1918.
Guardian: Town's pleas to save the last heard.
Teesdale Mercury 28/8/1918: Local and other notes.
Teesdale Mercury-06/12/1916: News item: The Smith Family of Barnard Castle