Private Harold Smith had a fresh complexion with grey eyes, brown hair, and was 5ft 7 ½. He lived in Long Eaton and was a lace hand by trade. He married his wife, Sarah Ann, in Long Eaton Registry Office in 1912. His daughter, Dorris, was born the previous year, in 1911, in Shardlow. 

Harold enlisted into The Seaforth Highlanders on the 7th of September 1914 in Nottingham, at the beginning of the Great War (1914-1918). He transferred to The Sherwood Foresters, the local regiment, two days later. Harold became part of the 12th (Pioneer) Battalion, which was officially formed at Derby on the 1st of October 1914. 

Harold landed in France, as part of the expeditionary force on the 29th of August 1915; the main body of the 12th Battalion would arrive a day later. The 12th Battalion spent much time in the Ypres Salient during their service digging and repairing trenches and bunkers.  

On the 26th of September 1915, whilst the Battalion were at Le Rutoire, they participated in an attack on Vendin-Le-Veil, in a reserve position. Whilst this operation was carried out fifty-six other ranks of the 12th Battalion were wounded, Harold amongst them. He had sustained a gunshot wound to his right arm and been exposed to gas. A day later, Harold sustained a gunshot wound to his right shoulder. Harold received treatment for these injuries in early October 1915 and was transferred from Rouen back to England on the 14th. 

On the 25th of February 1916 Harold was transferred to the ‘L’ company of the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion, which was in Sunderland. He would have engaged on the East Coastal Defences and acted as part of the “Reinforcement Unit” of the Tyne Garrison. In the August, he was transferred to The Durham Light Infantry. 

Harold transferred regiment again to The West Yorkshire Regiment in January 1917. He did not serve with them long, however, as he was admitted to Lichfield military hospital on the 31st of January. He had an issue with his lungs and was at the hospital a week. Harold was discharged on the 27th of February 1917 and given a silver war badge (number 178401).