Understand
WW2 soldier Ronald Smirthwaite identified in the Netherlands 81 years after his death
Overview
The body of World War Two soldier Lance Corporal Ronald Smirthwaite, originally from Sheffield, has been identified 81 years after he was killed in the Netherlands. L/Cpl Smirthwaite served with the Hallamshire Battalion and died in February 1945 at the age of 22. Following extensive research by the Ministry of Defence, his previously unmarked grave at Jonkerbos War Cemetery in Nijmegen has been rededicated with his name at a special service.
Key points
- Lance Corporal Ronald Smirthwaite from Sheffield was killed in the Netherlands in 1945 during World War Two.
- His identity was confirmed after extensive research by the Ministry of Defence.
- He originally served as a blacksmith's striker before joining the Army in May 1944.
- Records indicate he was captured alive but seriously wounded while fighting with the Hallamshire Battalion, and died aged 22.
- His grave at Jonkerbos War Cemetery in Nijmegen, which was previously marked as an unknown soldier, has now been rededicated with his name.