Trumpet-Major William Smith

William Smith was born in 1822 and lived in Knutsford. This portrait shows him in the uniform of the Earl of Chester’s Yeomanry c1870, with six medals on his chest. He had served in the regular army, in the 3rd Light Dragoons and in the 11th Hussars. In the latter regiment he was a trumpeter, taking part in the Charge of the Light Brigade in 1854. His Crimea medal has at least three clasps. One of his other medals is for the Afghan campaign of 1842 and the lower right medal would be for the Punjab campaign of 1848-9 where the 3rd Light Dragoons fought at Chillianwallah. His blue tunic has silver cords and four silver chevrons on his right sleeve with a crossed trumpets badge above. The figuring on his cuffs agrees with the photo of a private of the Cheshire Yeomanry c1860, although Smith’s portrait probably dates nearer 1870. He and his wife lived at Love Lane, Knutsford, later re-named Stanley Lane. There is a plaque indicating the house he lived in. He was steward of the Tatton Club. He committed suicide in 1879 and his grave is unknown.

Regimental Details | Cheshire Yeomanry Trumpeters and Band