Godfrey Holland Smee

A Gunner with A Battery, 162nd Brigade, Godfrey died on 14th of October 1917 at the age of 36. 

Godfrey was born at Stoke Newington, London, in 1881, a son of Joseph and Emily Smee. In 1891 his family lived at 162 Boleyn Road, Stoke Newington. In 1901 Godfrey lived with his brother Frederick, and family, at 160 Boleyn Road, and Godfrey was a gold jeweller. 

On 28 June 1908 Godfrey married Mary Ann Barker at Saint James’ Church, Enfield Highway. Godfrey was a traveller and they both gave their address as Green Street, Enfield Highway. By 1911 they were living at 31 Crickfield Road, Clapton, and Godfrey was a provision traveller. In the 1920s Mary moved to Lowestoft and lived at 392 London Road South.

Godfrey enlisted in the Army at Stratford, London. He joined the Royal Field Artillery, service number 208474.   

Godfrey served with A Battery of 162 (Camberwell) Brigade. In October 1917 the brigade was based east of Zillebeke, Belgium, with waggon lines at Dickebusch. From 9 October the brigade was in action supporting the attack on Polderhoek Chateau.

The brigade war diary does not show what happened to Godfrey, but Godfrey, and three other men of A Battery, were killed in action on 14 October. They are all buried, in adjacent graves, at The Huts Cemetery.