Smith Frank Pte 4456294
Personnel Entry
Name Smith Frank
Army number 4456294
Rank Private.
Decorations None known beyond Service Awards.
Date of birth Research suggests Pte Smith was born in Gateshead in 1918
Age 23 at the time of his death.
Unit Enlisted in The Durham Light Infantry, T, no enlistment date but probably Spring or early Summer 1939. Posted to the 9th Battalion DLI. Probably posted to the 12th Battalion DLI on the creation of the Battalion September 1939. Transferred to the Black Watch 1/2/1940 and posted to the 1st Tyneside Scottish. Served with the B.E.F. in France. Taken Prisoner of War - probably on 20/5/1940 at Ficheux. KILLED by a guard whilst a Prisoner of War 17/6/42, Auth: CAS/2/BW/6 dated 2/7/42 (BW Book 358 No 5 page 11). Mentioned in Commons Debate in Hansard 8/6/1943 by Mr Magnay as follows:-
"Mr. Magnay asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private Frank Smith, Tyneside Scottish, 4456294, who was a prisoner of war, number 10233, in camp M. Stamminger XXB 357, was shot in cold blood by the sentry; and what is being done to obtain evidence of the outrage and to identify the sentry so that he will be dealt with in due course?
Sir J. Grigg Yes, Sir. Statements have been received through the Protecting Power from British prisoners of war in the camp. The findings of a German court of inquiry have also been received, exonerating the guard. Steps have been taken to inform the German Government that the findings of the court cannot be accepted and to demand the re-opening of the proceedings against the guard. The guard's name has not been divulged by the German Government. Efforts to identify him will be made by all available means".
Company/Battery C Company.
Platoon or other sub-unit Not yet known.
Task or role Not known but probably Rifleman.
Joined Brigade 1/9/1939.
Promotions None known.
Wounded Not yet known.
Prisoner of War Stalag XXB and Camp 357, PoW Number 10233.
Died/Killed in action KILLED by a Prison Guard 17-Jun-42. Originally interred, alongside other PoWs, at Map Reference Q55/D79. Subsequently re-buried 27/11/1948 in Grave 4.A.9. Marlbork Commonwealth War Cemetery. No inscription on the headstone.
Home address Father Frank, mother Florence M. (nee Bennett) He was a resident of Gateshead at the time of his death.
Source table 1TS
Grateful thanks are due to Terry Hall for the headstone photograph, taken in 2019, and to James Pasby for the local newspaper article and photograph of Pte Smith, which appear below.
