Pal's bid to find soldier's family
A photograph taken of a Black Country soldier shortly before he was killed by a bomb has prompted a search for his family by a pal still touched by the tragedy.
The black and white image of Ron Smith was captured by former soldier Dennis Williams. Mr Williams, now aged 78, is anxious to pass it on to Mr Smith's relatives. Mr Smith, who was killed by enemy fire in Palestine on April 10, 1948, came from Gornal in Dudley.
He served as a sapper with the 17th Field Squadron Royal Engineers and the photograph shows him aged 18 carrying out duties on the notorious Jaffa Road.
Just a few weeks later Mr Smith, along with sappers Dennis Williams, of Tamworth, and Charlie Gorrard, from Lowestoft, were riding on the back of a tipper lorry when it came under fire.
"I can remember it all so vividly. We had been to a monastery to diffuse a mine and were on our way back to camp," said Mr Williams.
"It was about 1pm and the three of us were sitting together with me in the middle when a mortar bomb hit Ron, killing him and Charlie instantly.
"I was the lucky one. I have had 60 more years than Ron and Charlie."
Mr Williams, a grandfather from Beech Road, Tamworth, met Ron at the drafting unit and they became good friends.
Mr Smith is buried at Ramleh War Cemetery near Jerusalem.
Anyone who can help Mr Williams should call the Express & Star on 01384 353207.
