Born 5 April, 1921, the son of George and Amy Smith, of  27 Dover St., Chatham, Ontario, Canada. Allan had a brother A/B Norman with the RCN. and sister AW1 Winnifred Joyce a telephone operator at Alymer, ON. in the service and another brother Maurice (US Army) and sister Irene at home. Prior to his enlistment he was employed at the International Harvester Co. in Chatham.

Allan enlisted with the RCOC at London, ON., in the spring of 1941 and trained at Kingston ON., Bedford NS.and Stratford, ON., before he went overseas in the spring of 1942. While he was in England he transferred to the 1^st Railway Operating Group (RCE)

The CDN 1/09/43(P) reported that Spr. Smith had arrived safely overseas. Allan was just 21 years old and had been in service for 18 months. He had received special training in The RCOC and was attached to the Railway Corp which was entirely a tradesman unit.   

While serving in England Spr. Allan Smith died of an accidental injury.

Age: 23, DOAI – Date of Death: 10/05/1944. Allan was struck by crane with which a mineral train had collided; he suffered a fracture of the skull and a laceration of the brain.

Mrs. Smith received the following letter of condolence, dated 15 May, 1944, as follows:

Dear Mrs. Smith:

Words are very frail at such a time to express one’s sympathy for dear ones at home who mourn the passing of a gallant son. Your boy enjoyed the respect of his officers and comrades and died in the line of duty.

On Saturday last 13^th of May ’44, the entire unit paid their respects to his memory by attending the funeral in the village church. Floral offerings testified both to the esteem in which your boy was held and the sympathy of his comrades and civilian workers for you all.

It feel to me as padre, to conduct the funeral service, the simple, but impressive rites of the church. The hymns used were “The Lord’s My Shepard.” “Lead Kindly Light” and “Abide With Me.”

On Sunday we journeyed to Brookwood cemetery, Surrey, beautiful beyond description, a section of which will be forever a part of Canada and on Monday afternoon burial took place. The cross marking your boy’s name and number marks the spot which in due time will be made green in your memory as your dear lad must always be.

The plot is numbered 49, Row ‘A’, Grave 4 and Allan rests beside another brave Canadian, whose burial followed after.

You have given a service beyond all reckoning, but you have the comfort of knowing where your boy is buried. My brother has been missing for over six months and we shall perhaps never know where his remains are.

In this tragic war, mothers suffer most and I do pray that strength equal to your day, will be afforded you in your sorrow. Always remember God cares tremendously and suffers too with you

And believe that your love never lose its own.

Allan Murray is safe in His Gracious Keeping. May God bless and comfort you all.

Yours very sincerely.

G. Garland, H-Captain

Chaplain (P).

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources	Index of Overseas Deaths. CDN date thought to be May 1944 with photo and article copied, also information from Dawn Huston). CDN 15/01/45, MLC, IODE(P),CVWM(P), Janet V..
Supplemental Information	Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead, Grave/Memorial Reference: 49. A. 4. Cemetery: BROOKWOOD MILITARY CEMETERY. Name found on grave stone at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham,

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