H Smallman (1882 – 1917)

Hubert Smallman was the son of John Smallman, a labourer, and his wife, Mary. The family lived in Pale Cottages and, later, St Mary Street.

After leaving school, Hubert went to work at the H & M Southwell carpet factory as a labourer in the Brussels Carpet works. He married Sarah Florence (Florrie) Townsend in Kidderminster in 1905. By 1911 they had one child, a daughter and they were living in Hospital Street.

Hubert served in the 1/4th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. He was killed in action on 5th September, 1917 (during the Battle of Passchendaele). He is buried in Calais Southern Cemetery (a hospital cemetery, so it is possible that Hubert actually died from wounds.)

Private Smallman, 200690, was awarded the Victory and British medals. His death was reported in the Bridgnorth Journal on 15th September, 1917.

KILLED BY AN AEROPLANE.
[Bridgnorth Journal, 15th September, 1917]
Information has been received that 2282 [sic] Private Hubert Smallman, 1/4 K.S.L.I., of 15 St John's Street, Bridgnorth, was killed in France, on the 4th [sic] inst., during an air-raid on a position at the base. He leaves a widow and a young family, who had been eagerly looking forward to his return on leave after nearly three year's absence in India.