Smail, S C (Stephen Charles)

Smail, S C (Stephen Charles)

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Lance Serjeant Stephen Smail served with the 3rd Reserve Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and was the husband of Anne Smail from Foulden, Berwickshire, Scotland and a native of Hounslow, London, England. He had three children, Esther, Stephen, and Doris.

Stephen suffered for four days from rheumatic fever before his heart started failing. After two more days he passed away.

The 3rd Reserve Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers was based in Ebrington Barracks, Londonderry from September 1914 until April 1918 when it moved to England.

Their duties were to recruit and train soldiers for the front line. They alone did so for more than twelve thousand men. Throughout the war the 3rd had the same commander who was Lieutenant Colonel McClintock. He retired in 1919 when the battalion was disbanded.

On a few occasions, they had to host hundreds of shipwrecked sailors, including those from the Brisk (sunk October 1917) and the American transport ship SS Tuscania (sunk February 1918.) They received praise and gifts for their hospitality on both occasions.

Stephen was not eligible for any medals as he never left the UK or entered a theatre of war. He was laid to rest with full military honours.

Date of Death: 07/01/1916 (Aged 39)

Service: Lance Serjeant, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, 3rd Battalion

Service Number: 18813

Burial Location: Londonderry (or Derry), City Cemetery, GA. Mil. 5.

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