SMEDLEY, Stanley Stewart (1897-1917)
Stan was the second son of Joseph Smedley and Janet (Jessie) née Wilson. Stanley was the first of the family to enlist in World War I, on 29 October 1915. He was 18 years 9 months old and listed his occupation as horse driver. He embarked on the Demosthene on 29 December 1915.He served in the Middle East until June when he transferred to France. Stan was wounded in August 1916 but remained in the field. He was promoted to Lance Corporal in October 1916 and to Corporal in February 1917. Two months later he was killed in action on 11 April 1917 at Bullecourt and is buried at Villers-Bretonneux, Belgium. His name is recorded on the Dixons Creek Honor Roll, the Yarra Glen Honor Roll and Cenotaph, and the Kangaroo Ground Honor Roll.
