Audrey Alfred Smale

Serjeant Audrey Alfred Smale – Welsh Guards, 1^st Battalion

Early Life

Audrey Alfred Smale was born in 1888, the youngest son of James Smale and Emily Smale (née Harris), who were married in 1864 in Swansea. Although baptised Audrey Alfred, he was listed simply as Alfred in both the 1891 and 1901 Censuses.

1891 Census

The 1891 Census records the Smale family living at Bryn, Sketty. James (51), originally from Devonshire, worked as a Foreman at the Iron Stores, while Emily (51), from Somerset, managed the household. Their children were Richard (25), an Accountant; Emily (24), a Dressmaker; William (18), a Labourer; Mary (16), who assisted her mother; Arthur (14), a Gardener’s Assistant; Ada (12); Harold (9); Beatrice (6); and the youngest, Alfred (3).

1901 Census

By the 1901 Census, the family had moved to Castle Villa, Sketty. James (61) was a Foreman at the Machinery Stores, and Emily (61) continued to run the home. Living with them were Emily (33), a Dressmaker; Mary L. (26); Ada (21); Harold (19), an Apprentice in the Cycle Fitting Trade; Beatrice (16); and Alfred A. (13). Also present was their nephew, Sydney Tarling (18), employed as an Engine Fitter’s Labourer.

James Smale passed away in 1903, aged 63.

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the family had reduced in size and were living at 7 De La Beche Road, Sketty. Emily (71) was then working as a Certified Midwife. Her children still at home were Adelaide (43), a Dressmaker; Beatrice (26), employed as a Caretaker of the Chapel; and Audrey (23), who was working as a Domestic Gardener.

Military Service

At the outbreak of the First World War, Audrey enlisted in the Welsh Guards, a newly formed regiment established in February 1915 by order of King George V. He served with the 1^st Battalion, which was part of the Guards Division, one of the British Army’s elite formations on the Western Front.

By September 1916, the 1^st Battalion, Welsh Guards was engaged in the later stages of the Battle of the Somme. Following weeks of fierce fighting, the Guards Division was ordered to take part in an assault near Ginchy and Lesboeufs, key objectives along the German defensive line known as the Quadrilateral.

The battalion moved forward through heavy shellfire, facing intense machine-gun resistance and terrible conditions in the churned-up landscape of the Somme. Despite suffering severe casualties, the Welsh Guards succeeded in capturing sections of the enemy line, consolidating their position under continuous artillery fire. It was during this period of action that Serjeant Smale was wounded.

Death

Army Register of Soldiers’ Effects

Serjeant Audrey Alfred Smale died of wounds on 10^th September 1916, sustained during the Guards Division’s advance near Ginchy. He was 28 years old. The Army Register of Soldiers’ Effects confirms his death and the transfer of his remaining pay and belongings to his family.

Commemoration

Audrey Alfred Smale
Thiepval Memorial
credit - findagrave

As he has no known grave, Serjeant Audrey Alfred Smale is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France, which bears the names of over 72,000 soldiers who died on the Somme and have no known resting place.

His name is also proudly inscribed on the St. Paul’s Church War Memorial, Sketty, ensuring that his service and sacrifice are remembered by the community he once called home. His story stands as a lasting tribute to the courage and endurance of the Welsh Guards during one of the most harrowing battles of the Great War.