Roland Hadfield Smith

Roland Hadfield was the son of Henry and Ann Smith nee Hadfield. His father Henry was born in Silkstone, Yorkshire, in about 1839 and his mother Ann Hadfield in Holmfirth, Yorkshire, in about 1842. They were married in 1865 (J/F/M Huddersfield and had five children of whom only three survived infancy: Mary Eliza Smith b. Holmfirth 1865 (A/M/J Huddersfield), Charles Henry b. Barnsley 1868 (O/N/D Barnsley) bap. Barnsley 28 March 1869 and Roland Hadfield b. Ellerker 1884 (O/N/D Beverley) bap. Brantingham Yorkshire 28 December 1884. In 1871 Henry Smith (32) was a traveller living on Old Mill Lane, Barnsley, with his wife, Ann (29) and their two children Mary (5) and Charles (2). Also in the household was Henry's brother, John (28 b. Silkstone) a butcher. By 1881 Henry was a timber merchant and he and Ann were living at Ellerker Hall, Ellerker, Beverley with their daughter Mary (15). It is likely that their son Charles was away at school. Henry employed two indoor servants, a cook and housemaid. Roland was born three years later in 1884. Henry and Ann were living at Rutland Villa, Beverley Road, Sculcoates, Yorkshire, at the time of the 1891 Census. In the home on the night of the census were Charles (22) a timber assistant, and Roland (6). Henry employed three indoor servants, a cook and two housemaids. Henry and Ann, later returned to live at Ellerker Hall near Beverley. Roland attended Wellington College from 1899 to 1901 and was probably at the college at the time of the 1901 Census. His sister Mary Eliza married George Shaw in 1901 (A/M/J Beverley) and had one child by the time of the 1911 Census. In 1911, shortly before his marriage, Roland (26). a timber merchant, was living at Redgate, Thorne Road, Doncaster. He was head of household and employed a cook and housemaid. Also in the household on the night of the census, were his mother, Ann (69) and married sister, Mary Eliza (45) and another visitor. Roland married Mabel Lily Parsons in 1911 at Belper Register Office (J/A/S Belper Derbyshire). They lived at 36 London Road, Newark. There may have been one child of the marriage, Kenneth N b. 1915 (O/N/D Newark, Smith/Parsons).

Educated at Wellington College (Talbot) 1899-1901. He was a timber merchant.

British Red Cross Society Roland joined the British Red Cross as a driver after being rejected for the army. He died at Field Hospital 71, Gradisea, Italy, on 1 December 1916 after the petrol tank of his vehicle exploded as he was fetching casualties. He is buried in Ravenna War Cemetery, Italy (grave ref. 6.AA.8).

CWGC headstone, personal inscription: 'In loving memory of the beloved husband of Mabel Lily Smith' CWGC: 'Son of Henry and Ann Smith, of Ellerker Hall, Brough, Yorks; husband of Mabel Lily Smith, of 36, London Rd., Newark.' Roland is also commemorated on the WW1 Roll of Honour at Wellington College, Crowthorne, Berkshire (WMR 18721). The memorial was unveiled by HRH The Duke of Connaught KG and dedicated on 24 October 1922. The order of service includes a Roll of Honour: Talbot – Roland Hadfield Smith, British Red Cross Society. Wellington Year Book 1916, Roll of Honour: ‘Roland Hadfield Smith, killed on November 26th (sic), was in the Talbot 1899-1901 and was afterwards in business in Hull. At the outbreak of the War he offered his services in the Army, but was rejected. He therefore went into the Red Cross Ambulance Services. While going fetch wounded his petrol tank exploded and killed him. His commanders both speak very highty of his services, and the following is an extract from one of their letters: ‘Amongst us all here he was a favourite, always generous, ready to help, and ever ready to go out on duty with a cheerful expression (break in text) He was buried in the military cemetery, within the sound of the guns.’ (memorial.wellingtoncollege.org.uk) Probate: Smith Roland Hadfield of 36 London-road Newark-on-Trent Nottinghamshire died 1 December 1916 at Field Hospital 71 Gradisea Italy Probate London 12 July to George Shaw [prob. brother-in-law) mining engineer and Hugh Farnell solicitor. Effects £28533 15s. 1d.