David Smith and his twin brother Robert were born at Ryhall on 28 May 1898, the sons of William and Betsy Smith. His father was a farmer and blacksmith in the village. David worked on the farm until joining the army on 14 September 1916 when he reached the age of 18. He went to France on 23 December 1916 with the Leicestershire Regiment and was later attached to the 11th Battalion King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment as a sniper. He was killed on 25 November 1917 at Graincourt, Cambrai. George Phillips wrote: "A letter from an NCO of the same regiment stated that he was killed instantly by the bursting of a shell while he was carrying a message to the firing line, a duty he had undertaken voluntarily during what was his term of rest. The writer added that David Smith was always a 'cheery boy,' and died a hero's death. A memorial service for him was held in Ryhall Church." David was only 19 years old when he was killed. He has no known grave and is remembered on Panel 3 of the Cambrai Memorial and also in Ryhall church.