Private Christopher Hugh Smithwick

Private Christopher Hugh Smithwick was 19 years old when he joined the Australian Imperial Force in November 1916. He was living in North Fitzroy, Victoria, and listed his profession as Postal assistant. He listed his uncle, Patrick Smithwick, as his next of kin. Private Smithwick embarked from Melbourne with reinforcements to the 37 Battalion on 16 December 1916. Following training in England he joined the 37 Battalion on 1 September 1917. In October 1917 Private Smithwick was attached to the Postal Corps in London for duty before returning to the 37th Battalion on 4 April 1918. He was transferred to the 38th Battalion on 12 October 1918 and then to the Postal Corps on 21 October 1918. He was admitted to hospital with influenza on 2 November 1918 and following medical treatment and convalescence in England returned to Australia early in 1919. He died in Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Melbourne on 30 December 1919 and is buried in Melbourne General Cemetery, Carlton, Melbourne.