Bertie Walter Smith was Essex-born and worked at Marconi's in Chelmsford before joining the army. He was killed in action in Normandy in July 1944. His home was in Springfield Road.

Bertie was born in Essex in 1921, the only son of Bertie Smith (1882-1953) and Daisy Florence Smith (nee Patching) (1887-1964). His parents had married at All Saints' Church, Springfield on 21st July 1913. At the time his father was a 31 year-old coal dealer living at 152 Springfield Road (since renumbered) while his mother was aged 27 and lived at Ealing Common, Middlesex. Bertie had an elder sister, Nancy Rose Smith (1919-1994).

Bertie worked in the mounting shop at Marconi's factory in Chelmsford.

Bertie Walter SMITH, Private, 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment

Killed in action in Normandy, France. Aged 22

During the Second World War Bertie served as Private 14655617 in the 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment. He was killed in action in Normandy, France on 9th July 1944, aged 22, having been in the army for about a year.

At the time of his death Bertie's parents were living at 125 Springfield Road, Chelmsford (renumbered since).

Today Bertie lies in Bayeux War Cemetery (grave XVIII. D. 22). He is commemorated on the Springfield war memorial as is his uncle, Walter John Smith, who had been killed in the First World War. Walter is also commemorated by Chelmsford's war memorial.

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