Roderick Smith, Keose PO

Deep and widespread was the sorrow that pervaded the township and district on Thursday, 2nd August 1917, when the sad and unexpected news arrived, through and old schoolmaster and fellow-soldier, that Pte Roderick Smith, Cameron Highlanders, the fourth son of Mr and Mrs Smith, Post Office, Keose, had been severely wounded on the Western Front and had died of his wounds on the way from the base to the hospital, which has since been confirmed by the War Office.

Pte Smith answered his country's call some time after the outbreak of the war, and after going through the usual training in England was home on furlough for a short period previous to his battalion's departure for France. When taking leave of a friend on this occasion, who casually referred to the dangers of a soldier's life, and wished him a safe return, "Roddy" replied in his cheery way, "We must just smile" and then marched away, looking so handsome, brave and proud. He had not been long in the trenches when he was wounded in the right hand, which necessitated the removal of one of his fingers. After his recovery in a French hospital, he was employed for a few weeks behind the lines in the capacity of a clerk, but was again sent into the firing line where he met with the fat that led to his sad, yet glorious end.
Pte Smith was a young man of great promise, and in the flower of his life, having attained but 24 years of age on the 28th July, and for several years was engaged in the drapery business with a firm in South Wales, where he made a large circle of friends. Of a kind and cheerful disposition, he endeared himself to all with whom he came into contact, and long will his pleasant face and happy smile be remembered both in the South and his native Eilean an Fhraoich. To the bereaved parents, sorrowing brothers, sisters and relatives, the sincere and heartfelt sympathy of the whole community goes out in this, their hour of trial, and irrepairable loss.

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