John was reported as missing on 9th October 1917 but as no further news was forthcoming, the following July there was an official statement saying he was presumed dead.
Husband of Frances Stout of the Bank.
One of the six sons of John and Margaret (nee Stout) Smith of 33 Bridgegate to serve in the War.
John the fourth of the five Smith sons who lost their lives because of the war. His brothers Robert, George Henry, Frederick and Alfred, also died. 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 6/12/1916: The Smith Family of Barnard Castle
Prior to the war John had worked as a Blacksmith and Road Labourer.