CWGC record gives age as 36; family records 35, he would have been 36 in November 1917.
CWGC headstone personal inscription: 'Peace perfect peace'
Greasley St Mary churchyard. Inscription on headstone: 'In loving memory of John Smith who died 26 May 1929 aged 70 years. Rest after weariness. Also Ann, his beloved wife, who died 8 July 1948 aged (-) years. Reunited. Also of Pte Ernest Smith, the only beloved son of the above, who died of wounds in France, 14 Oct. 1917, aged 35 years. Duty Nobly Done. Peace Perfect Peace.'
Mansfield Reporter, 26 October 1917: ‘Death of Private Ernest Smith. Widespread sympathy has been felt for Mrs Ernest Smith of Station-street, who, on Saturday last, received the sad news that her husband, Private Ernest Smith, jeweller, had paid the supreme sacrifice whilst fighting in France. The news came by letter from the Rev. G Rigby Jones, CF, as follows, ‘Dear Mrs Smith, Your husband, Private Ernest Smith (31816), 8th South Staffs, was brought to this casualty clearing station, suffering from serious wounds in the arm, head and legs. I am very sorry to have to inform you that he passed peacefully away on the 14th, inst. The funeral took place in the cemetery here at 2.15pm today.’ A further letter was received on Sunday morning, written by Sergt. E Bales, of the same company, to a friend, asking that the sad news he conveyed to Mrs Smith. Her husband, he wrote, was mortally wounded on the 14th (Sunday). No official notification has been received, so it is still hoped better news may yet come to hand. All who were acquainted with Private Smith will have happy memories of him. He was always genial and cheerful, and was delightful company. Everybody respected him, and speak most highly of his character. The loss will be particularly felt at the Primitive Methodist Church, where he was associated with all its doings. He was a devoted Sunday school teacher and worker. He would have reached his 36th birthday in another month. He joined up on the 2nd November last, and was in training only eight weeks when he was sent to France.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Mansfield Chronicle Advertiser, 24 October 1918: 'Roll of Honour: Pte Ernest Smith 8th South Staffordshire Regiment, died 14/10/1917.'
Registers of Soldiers' Effects: his widow Amelia was his legatee.
Probate: Smith Ernest of 7 Station-street Mansfield Woodhouse Nottinghamshire died 14 October 1917 in Belgium on active service Probate London 17 January [1918] to John Smith retired miner. Effects £429 15s. 5d.