Captain Hubert Leslie Smith: Rediscovery of WWI Hero

Honoring Captain Smith's Sacrifice and Family Closure in France.

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The final resting place of Captain Hubert Leslie Smith, a World War I soldier from Devon, has been identified in France 107 years after his death.

This discovery underscores the UK’s dedication to honoring its fallen soldiers and provides closure for Smith’s family, highlighting the ongoing efforts to remember those who served.

Honoring a Hero: The Rediscovery of Captain Smith

The identification of Captain Hubert Leslie Smith’s grave is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War I.

His service with the King’s (Liverpool Regiment) is now commemorated at Ham British Cemetery in France, where a rededication ceremony was held.

This event not only honors Captain Smith but also highlights the enduring impact on his family, who attended the service to pay tribute.

Collaborative Efforts in Commemoration

The Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) played crucial roles in identifying Captain Smith’s grave.

Their collaborative efforts demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that no soldier is forgotten. These organizations work tirelessly to preserve military history and honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Significance for Families and Communities

Provides closure for families of fallen soldiers
Reinforces national pride and respect for military service
Highlights ongoing efforts to commemorate World War I heroes
Demonstrates commitment to preserving historical records
Encourages public engagement with military history

The Role of Memorials in Preserving History

Memorials like those at Ham British Cemetery serve as vital reminders of past conflicts and their human cost. They offer places for reflection and remembrance, ensuring that future generations understand the sacrifices made by soldiers like Captain Smith.

These sites are maintained with care by organizations such as CWGC, which manages over 1.7 million graves worldwide.

Comments

JCCC Caseworker, Rosie Barron, said:

“It has been a privilege to work with The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment to organise the rededication service for Capt Smith today and to have had his family present at the service.

Although Capt Smith died 107 years ago, his memory has lived on within his family. It is important that men such as Capt Smith, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country, are honoured and remembered for their bravery.”

The service was attended by Capt Smith’s great nephews and their families, who had travelled from the UK and the USA to attend the service.

Peter Smith, great nephew of Capt Smith said:

“Today’s Smith family in both the UK and the USA were both surprised and pleased to have this opportunity to understand and recognise the life and service of a man we never met in person.

Thank you JCCC and all those involved for discovering our relative and providing this opportunity to pay tribute to his life, service, and death from long ago.”

Reverend Paul Robinson CF, Chaplain to 4th Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment who conducted the service said:

“It is a great honour and privilege to be asked to preside at the Rededication Service of Captain Hubert Leslie Smith. As an Army Chaplain, honouring the fallen is one of our most sacred tasks.

It is our role to silently shepherd an often-beleaguered nation through grief and we revere those who have died and lay to rest those who have served our nation with dignity and honour and treat their families with respect and compassion.

Memorials reflect the emphasis the British people place on the worth and value of the individual.”