Charles Smith was working as a farm labourer in the Dunedin area when he enlisted in June, 1916. He was wounded by shrapnel (or possibly shell-shock: his Army record shows the note "sh/sh.") in the disastrous attack on Bellevue Spur on October 12, 1917 and was out of action for a month.
In February, 1918, he was affected ("wd gas severe") by poison gas during a relatively quiet time in the front line. He was out of action for a month and a half.
On September 2nd, 1918, Charles' Battalion, the 2nd Otago, had fought through the failed German offensive the previous Spring and was fighting a retreating but still strong enemy. The Otagos were consolidating their line on the day Charles was killed so his death might have been the action of a German sniper.
FOR KING AND COUNTRY.
DEATH.
SMITH. — On September 2nd, 1918, killed in action somewhere in France, Lancecorporal Charles Robert Smith (17th Reinforcements), beloved second son of James R. and Margaret Smith, 89 Grosvenor street, Kensington, and beloved grandson of Mr and Mrs James Purdie, Balfour street, N. E. Valley; aged 20 years.
He cheerfully did his duty. -Evening Star, 19/9/1918.
FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE.
IN MEMORIAM.
SMITH. — In loving memory of 27706 — Lance-corporal Charles Robert Smith, who was killed in action at Bancourt, France, on September 2, 1918.
"Somewhere In France" he is laid to rest
His life's work nobly done;
'Twas a sacrifice for liberty
Ere life had scarcne begun.
— Inserted by his loving parents grandparents, sisters, and brothers. -Otago Daily Times, 2/9/1919.
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