Dedicated to the memory of all the men and women of the South Staffordshire area who died during the two World Wars.
Philip Arnold Knights Smith was born at Brighstone, Isle of Wight, on 23rd October, 1896. He was the son of Leslie Knights Smith, a clergyman, and his wife Florence Margaret. Philip was educated at Uppingham School. At the time of Philip's death, his father was living at The Vicarage, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, but shortly afterwards he became Vicar of Brewood.
Philip had enlisted at Portsmouth on 14th September 1914. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and served in the Hants RGA. For some reason he resigned his commission and, on 6th September1915, attested in the Inns of Court O.T.C. as a Private. After six months he was transferred to the 3/1st Bedfordshire Yeomanry where (according to an obituary referred to at http://www.uttoxeterlostgeneration.co.uk/knightssmithpa.htm) he was the regiment's best shot and was an instructor in musketry and the Hotchkiss machine gun. The same source states that he had been accepted as a pilot in the RFC. Unfortunately Philip was injured in a riding accident in November 1916 when (according to the medical report) 'he was thrown from his horse upon his face and was rolled upon by horse. When upon ground was trampled on by another horse.' The following January he collapsed in a fever and was admitted to hospital. He seems to have developed pleural problems 'as a result of or aggravated by' his riding injury. Probably as a result of his disability he was transferred to the 1st Reserve Cavalry Regiment in March 1916.
Philip was discharged from the Army on 23rd June 1917 'no longer fit for service'. He seems to have spent some time in a sanitorium but was eventually sent home to The Vicarage, Uttoxeter, where he died on 12th April 1918. He is buried in Uttoxeter Cemetery and is commemorated on the Uttoxeter War Memorial.
Lance Corporal Philip Arnold Knight Smith, GS18330 (previously 6092 and 2444) had not served overseas so he did not receive any medals.
This memorial has mostly been compiled from official sources. It would be good to be able to expand it with more personal material - memories, stories, photos, etc. If you have any suitable material or any corrections please contact Greg.