A Royal visit to Ryde's Private Smith while in English war hospital - our 12th weekly story.

In December 2014 The Northern District Times continued to publish our stories. They are a brief outline of some of our research of World War One service from the Ryde District.

Published from October 2014 , the stories are a glimpse at some of the information found by the Ryde goes to War Project. Our 12th  story tells of Ryde newsagent, Henry Edward Smith, who was surprised by a bedside visit from King George and Queen Mary while receiving treatment for his war wounds in a English hospital.

Harry had embarked with the 4th Battalion, 25th Reinforcements, but later served with the 45th Battalion.

Week 12 :  17 December 2014 - The Northern District Times, page 21 - the story of HENRY EDWARD SMITH, Service No: 7535.

Royal best wishes for Ryde's Private Smith

[if you click on the title -- it should take you to the on-line edition of the newspaper]