QMS H.L.Smith - Too many Smiths

[ddycher]

Desperation really....

 

Coming back to a long standing burr in my research.

 

QMS H.L. Smith of the 5th Devons. Col.Sgt at Devonport then QMS then RQMS of the 1/5th Devons. Went to India with the 5th Devons and then left to join the RAF. Over the years I have come across many refs to Pte / Cpl / Sgt / Col.Sgt / QMS Smith and I have his MiC under H. L. Smith but I have been completely unable to break past this. Just get lost in the many thousands of Smiths in Devon pre-war.

 

Tried every cross indexing I can come up with and continue to draw a blank.

 

Anybody hot any ideas ? How have you fought your way through the mass of Smith's in your own research ?

 

Regards

Dave

[HarryBrook]

A Royal Air Force service record exists on findmypast for Sgt. Maj. Henry Lewis Smith 410045

Born 1872 Devonport, Devon. The record shows previous service with 2nd Prince of Wales's Volunteer Bn. Devonshire Regt.

R.A.F. Trade Classification "Q.M.S. Non Tech" and rank of "Sgt. Maj."

 

Edit to add: 1911 census - 22, Milton St., Devonport.

Henry Smith 38 Admiralty Messenger born Devonport, Devon [Messenger is also noted on the R.A.F. Record]

Ann Smith wife 39 married 12 years 2 children born Devonport, Devon

Adelaide Smith dau. 11 school born Devonport, Devon

Edward Smith son 6 school born Devonport, Devon

Signed Henry L. Smith

Edited 30 December , 2017 by HarryBrook

[ddycher]

Harry

 

You are an absolute star. This has been driving me crazy for years. Will check it out. Many many thanks.

 

Regards

Dave

[ddycher]

With Eric's help above. I have been able to break this today. With the RAF Service Record have been able to track him into census and via Family Tree's on Ancestry. Another great example of what this community is all about.

 

Thanks again Eric

 

Dave