Robert Stewart Smylie, a 42-year-old father of three, died on the Somme with photographs of his wife and children in his shrapnel-damaged wallet.

By the summer of 1914, Robert Smylie had been the headmaster of Sudbury Grammar School for three and a half years. He was an experienced schoolmaster who had taught English, Latin and Mathematics for 20 years. Despite his age and family responsibilities, he joined the Army when the First World War broke out. He obtained a commission in the Royal Scots Fusiliers, eventually joining the 1st Battalion in Flanders.

Smylie was a conscientious officer, who was deeply concerned for the welfare of his men and held their respect and admiration. He was also a devoted father and, in November 1915, he wrote a long poem for his three children about his experiences on the Western Front. It ended with the hope that they would all soon be together again.

Photographs

Trench map of Montauban

Trench map of Montauban. Parts of Sheets: 57d S.E., 57c S.W., 62d N.E. & 62c N.W. Trenches correct to 2nd July, 1916.
© IWM (Q 60881)
Trench map of Montauban. Trenches correct to 2nd July, 1916.

Trenches correct to 2 July 1916.

On 1 July 1916, the 1st Royal Scots Fusiliers left Flanders and by 5 July had arrived on the Somme. To build on the most successful part of the battle's opening phase, an assault was ordered between Bazentin and Longueval. The troops were to move up during the night and attack at dawn.

Photographs

Battle of Bazentin Ridge, 14-17 July 1916

Battle of Bazentin Ridge, 14-17 July 1916. An officer observing from the ruins of Longueval Church.
© IWM (Q 4418)
Battle of Bazentin Ridge, 14-17 July 1916. An officer observing from the ruins of Longueval Church.

An officer observing from the ruins of Longueval Church during the Battle of Bazentin Ridge, 14-17 July 1916.

Early on 14 July, Smylie led 'C' Company of the 1st Royal Scots Fusiliers into position near a quarry to the north of Montauban. The battalion was in support and did not advance until around 7am. When they moved forward onto the slopes of Longueval Ridge, they suffered heavy casualties. Five officers were killed, including Smylie. They were buried close to the nearby road but the grave was later moved to Flatiron Copse Cemetery.

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