A WW1 British medal duo to Private James Smithson- 5th Musketry/Infantry School, Yorkshire Regiment.
Supplied with research materials
Private James Smithson (38036)
James worked as an agricultural labourer/horseman. He enlisted at the age of 20 in February 1916 to the 3rd Yorkshire Regiment Reserves, being mobilised in August 1916 with service number 38036. He reached France in December 1916, being posted via Etaples with the 4th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment.
Almost immediately though in January 1917 he was classified as PB (permanent base, essentially discharged from frontline duties). It is unclear whether this was a result of illness (there is nothing on his medical records to suggest this), lying about his age or as a result of his skills with a rifle. Either way, whilst still in the 4th battalion, he was assigned to the 5th Army Infantry/Musketry School in Saint Léger lès Domart. It is unusual for a private to be assigned to such a unit, being usually made up of officers and instructors. In May 1918, he along with many staff members of the musketry schools was called up to defend against the German Spring Offensive, being assigned to the 9th battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and sent to the field. He then returned back to the 4th battalion and the 5th Infantry/Musketry School in October 1918. He was demobilised in 1919.
