Smith, Sidney John

Regimental Number: 101082
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: Canadian Machine Gun Corps

Sidney was born in Greenwich, England on May 16, 1890. He came to Canada in 1911 and went to work on a farm in Ontario. In 1912, Sidney came west and the following year filed on a homestead at NW 21-73-5-W6 (following the war, he also filed on NW 16-74-5-W6). Sidney went to Edmonton in 1914 to enlist in the Canadian Army but was rejected because of his poor eyesight. He returned in July of 1915 and this time was accepted. In 1918, Sidney was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. Sidney married Rose Maud Bush in Hadleigh, Essex, England on March 31, 1919. They left England on September 2, 1919 and sailed for Canada. On September 16 they arrived in Sexsmith. Sidney and Rose lived on the farm until 1978, when they moved into Grande Prairie. Sidney died on October 14, 1988.

*view the article in the Surname File for a fascinating personal interview with Sidney and Rose

Sources: surname file; Centennial Celebration Edson Trail p. 121; Pioneers of the Peace p. 296-298; Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 130, 1148; April 30, 1957 p. 4 c. 2 and 5 (?)

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