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NAPIER William Henry
Colour Sergeant. 4126.
5th (Reserve) Battalion Grenadier Guards
Died 10th May 1915. Age: 44
Colour Sergeant William Henry Napier was born in Frome, and was the son of William John and Sarah Ann Napier. He enlisted into the army in 1892, served in the South Africa Campaign, and was mentioned in dispatches, and held Long Service and Good Conduct Medals. He died of heart failure, and is buried at Bristol (Arnos Vale) Cemetery. Grave Ref: 3.666. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
NASH Charles
Sapper. 504580.
63rd Field Company Royal Engineers
Died of wounds 19th October 1918. Age: 33
Sapper Charles Nash was born at Warminster, Wiltshire, and was the son of James Robert and Elizabeth Nash, of 21, Long Ground, Frome. He is buried at Kortrijk (St Jean) Communal Cemetery, Belgium. Grave Ref: A. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
NASH William Photo
Sergeant. 322.
3rd Battalion Monmouthshire Regiment
Killed in action 6th May 1915. Age: 41
Sergeant William Nash was born at Berkley, Frome, and was the youngest son of Albert Nash, of Berkley, Frome; and husband of Mary Nash, of 11, Broad Street, Barry, Glamorgan. He moved to Barry, South Wales from Ebbw Vale, where he was an active member of the church, and belonged to the Ebbw Vale Company of the 3rd Monmouthshire Territorials. William volunteered for active service when war broke out, and was killed (shot while attending to a wounded comrade) in action on the 6th of May 1915, at the taking of Hill 60, near Ypres, Belgium. William left a widow and four children, and has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate, Ieper, Belgium. Panel 50. His name appears on the Berkley War Memorial,
NEWBY Frederick Augustus
Private. 1796.
1st Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers
Killed in action 4th June 1916. Age: 23
Private Frederick Augustus Newby was born at Merton Devon, and was the brother of Arthur Newby, of Alan Cottage, Old Ford, Frome. He was mentioned in dispatches. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Turkey. Panels 58 to 72 or 218 to 219.
NEWPORT Archibold George Photo
Private. 36821. 2nd Coy.
1st Battalion Devonshire Regiment
Died of wounds 29th June 1917. Age: 22
Private Archibold George Newport was born in Frome, and was the son of Florence Ashman, of 9, Union Street, Frome. He was employed by Messrs Houston, of Vallis Way, Frome, when war broke out. he joined the army on the 25th June 1916, training at Devonport, before going out to The Western Front. He was brought in unconscious to hospital early on the morning of June 29th 1917, mortally wounded in the head, and died of his wounds half an hour after being admitted. He is buried at Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: III. B. 4. His name appears on The War Memorial, and Trinity Church Memorial, Frome.
NEWTON Frank Charles Photo
Gunner. 86164.
“B” Bty. 186th Bde.,
Royal Field Artillery
Killed in action 17th June 1917
Gunner Frank Charles Newton was born in Bath, Somerset, and lived in Frome. He is buried at Poperinge New Military Cemetery, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave Ref: II. F. 15. His name appears on the Nunney War Memorial.
NICHOLAS Frederick Richard
Private. 9989.
2nd Battalion Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment)
Killed in action 12th March 1915. Age: 34
Private Frederick Richard Nicholas was born at Beckington, near Frome, the son of Mrs Louisa Nicholas, and the late Sidney Nicholas, of Church Hill, Beckington.; and husband of Susannah Nicholas, of 62, Ashburton Grove, Holloway, London. He had been missing for more than twelve months, and he could not be traced as a prisoner of war, his death had not been presumed. His parents received a letter from the war office, from a Major Fitzgerald, of the Record Office, Exeter, that no further news having been received relative to Private F. R Nicholas, of the 2nd Wilts, who had been missing since the 12th March 1915, the Army Council had been regretfully constrained to conclude that he was dead, and that his death took place on the 12th March 1915. Private Victor Nicholas died of wounds received in action, and was Private Frederick Richard Nicholas’s brother. (see Nicholas V) Private Frederick Richard Nicholas has no known grave and is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 33 and 34. His name appears on the Beckington Memorial.
NICHOLAS Victor Herbert Photo
Private. 4107.
54th Company Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
Died of wounds 1st May 1916. Age: 23
Private Victor Herbert Nicholas was born at Beckington, near Frome, the son of Louisa Nicholas, and the late Sidney Nicholas, of Church Hill, Beckington. Formerly 19700 Somerset Light Infantry. Working as a gardener, he left Beckington some years previous and worked in South Wales, as under gardener to Lord Aberdare, of Duffryn House. He was a former Choir boy at Beckington Parish Church. When war broke out he joined the Somerset’s in September 1914, and was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps at Grantham after training. Victor left for France in February 1916. In a letter Major Mathison, told of how he met his death, “...on the morning of the 30th of April he was acting as orderly to his section officer, and was going up a communication trench to the front line. When they were half way up the trench the Germans suddenly started a very heavy bombardment. About the first shell to fall came right into the trench and exploded where your son and his officer were. Your son had his thigh very badly hit and the officer was wounded in the foot and back. Your son was taken to hospital about three miles back, but died in the morning about 9.45 from a compound fracture of the thigh...”. He is buried at Bray Military Cemetery, Somme, France. Grave Ref: I. A. 6. His name appears on the Beckington Memorial. His brother Private Frederick Richard Nicholas was missing in action and presumed dead (see Nicholas F. R)
NOAD H Photo
Able Seaman. R/567.
Nelson Battalion R.N. Div., Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
Killed in action 31st December 1917
Able Seaman H Noad lived at Rode, near Frome. He is buried at Flesquieres Hill Cemetery, Nord, France. Grave Ref: V. C. 18. His name appears on the Rode War Memorial.
NOAKES Francis
Private. 57810.
2nd/7th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Killed in action 16th September 1918.
Private Francis Noakes was born in Nunney, and lived at Holwell, near Nunney, Frome. He is buried at Anzac Cemetery, Sailly-Sur-La-Lys, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: III. K. I. His name does not appear on the War Memorial in Nunney. Possibly brother to Gilbert George Noakes.
NOAKES Gilbert George
Private. 17541.
1st Bn. Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 1st July 1917.
Private Gilbert George Noakes was born in Holwell, near Nunney, Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2A. His name does not appear on any Memorial in Nunney or Frome. Possibly brother to Francis Noakes.
OAKES Wilfred
Private. 19264.
5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment
Killed in action 1st October 1918. Age: 26
Private Wilfred Oaks was the second son of Frederick and Cecilia Oakes, of 9, Rossiters Hill, Frome. Formerly 1780 North Somerset Yeomanry. He was employed at J. W. Singer, of Frome, and later as draughtsman to Messrs Gardener, of Bristol. He joined the North Somerset Yeomanry in June 1915, being drafted to the Dorsetshire Regiment, and spending two years on the France and Flanders Front Lines. He is buried at Sucrerie Cemetery, Epinoy, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: B. 12. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial and St. John’s Memorials in Frome.
OLDING Herbert, Photo
Private.10591.
6th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 16th August 1915. Age: 23
Private Herbert Olding was born in Mells, near Frome, and was the oldest son of Arthur Thomas and Lydia Olding, of Wadbury, Great Elm, Frome. He was employed, along with his father, as gardener to Wadbury House. From the time he left school to enlisting into the army he had wanted a military career. On August 26th 1914 he enlisted at the Drill Hall in Frome and joined the Somerset’s. His last visit home was on the 23rd March 1915, he rejoined his regiment on the 26th March 1915, and went to The Western Front on the 21st May 1915. In a letter to his mother from Lieutenant C.A.S. Hawker, he wrote, “...he was killed at about six o’clock on the evening of the 16th August. It happened in a fire trench, of which he was part of the garrison. A splinter from a burst shrapnel shell entered his brain, and death was instantaneous ...Your son had been with us long enough for me to realise what a fine character his was, and how you must feel his loss. No work was ever too hard or too dangerous for him...When out scouting, no escort ever gave me such confidence, while through Hooge no one could have been cooler or stauncher ...he was carried back some two miles from the firing line. The Chaplain, Captain Telfer, buried him in the new cemetery for British soldiers close to the old prison at Ypres...”. A muffled peal was rung at Mells parish church to his memory. He is buried at Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, Ypres, (now Ieper) Belgium. Grave Ref: X. D. 22. His name appears on the Mells War Memorial.
ORAM F
Unknown Rank/number.
Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment)
Cause and date of death unknown. Age unknown.
No Oram F. of the Wiltshire Regiment can be found associated with Rode Village. His photo appears with those men of Rode who lost their lives during the war.
ORCHARD William
Private. 5745.
5th Battalion Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment)
Killed in action 31st January 1917
Private William Orchard was born in Box, Wiltshire, and lived in Frome. He is buried at Amara War Cemetery, Iraq. Grave Ref: XVIII. E. 7. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
PADFIELD Francis James
Lance Corporal. 23644.
2nd Bn. King’s Own (Yorkshire Light Infantry)
Killed in action 1st July 1916. Age: 22
Lance Corporal Francis James Padfield was born in Gurney Slade, Somerset, and was the son of Albert Francis and Katherine Padfield, of Church Farm, East Woodlands, Frome. He was killed on the first day of the “Battle of the Somme” offensive in France. He is buried at Lonsdale Cemetery, Authuile, Somme, France. Grave Ref: VI. E. 8. His name does not appear on the War Memorial in Frome.
PADFIELD George
Private. 6770.
1st Battalion Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment)
Killed in action 31st October 1914. Age: 30
Private George Padfield was born and lived in Frome. He is buried at Arras Road Cemetery, Roclincourt, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: II. G. 14. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
PALMER Brinsley Lintham Photo
Private. 34904.
6th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 9th May 1917. Age: 30
Private Brinsley Lintham Palmer was born in Frome, and was the youngest son of Harry Palmer, of New Buildings Lane, Frome, and lived at 9, Culver Hill, Frome, when he was home. Brinsley was a painter and decorator, and employed by C. Barnes & Son, of Frome. Formerly a member of the local Territorials, was a keen footballer, playing for the town reserves. He joined the army October 3rd 1916, and left a widow and child. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 4. His name appears on the War Memorial, and Christ Church, Frome.
PARSONS Albert Stephen Photo
Sergeant. 3/5626.
“H” Coy. 1st Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 1st July 1916. Age: 32
Sergeant Albert Stephen Parsons was born in Nunney, Frome, and was the son of the late Henry and Mary Parsons, of Critchill, Frome; and husband of Alice Mary Urch (formerly Parsons) of Horn Street, Nunney, Frome. He was in the army reserve when war broke out, and was immediately called up. Albert was killed on the first day of the “Battle of the Somme” , and has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2A. His name appears on the Nunney War Memorial. Possibly brother to James Robert Parsons (see Parsons J.R).
PARSONS James Robert
Private. 17400.
6th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 3rd September 1915.
Private James Robert Parsons was born in Frome, and was the son of Mr and Mrs Henry Parsons, of Holwell, Nunney, Frome. He was married but had no children, and was an old army man, prior to war breaking out, having served sixteen years in the 1st Somerset Light Infantry, eight with the colours, and eight with the Reserves. In March 1915, James volunteered for active service, and joined the 6th Somerset’s, and had only been seventeen days at the Front Line, when he met his death. In a letter Corporal E. Jones, of the 1st Company 6th Somerset’s said, “...I think it my place to write to you on behalf of your beloved husband, who was in my section. I am sorry to have to inform you that he was killed on Friday morning, 3rd September, and I may say we put him to rest in peace respectfully. I was very sorry to lose him, and the other men were also, as he was respected by all here. It is very hard luck on your part and his, as he was the only one we lost while up in the firing line...”. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ieper, Belgium. panel 21. His name appears on the Nunney War Memorial. Possibly brother to Albert Stephen Parsons (see Parsons A.S).
PARSONS Walter James
Private. 25840.
7th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 1st April 1917. Age: 35
Private Walter James Parsons was born in Bourton, Dorset, and lived in Frome; husband of Alice Matilda Brydon (formerly Parsons), of 94, Clarence Avenue, Northampton. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2A. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
PAULIN John Duncan
Colour Sergeant.
7853. Border Regiment Labour Corps
Died 12th February 1919. Age: 34
Colour Sergeant John Duncan (Jack) Paulin was the son of John and Jane Paulin, of 38, Andrew Street, Walton, Liverpool; and husband of Ethal May Paulin, of 23, Victoria Road, Frome. He had died of pneumonia at Grove Military Hospital, Tooting. He is buried at Frome (Christ Church) Churchyard. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
PAYNE Arnold Edgar Photo
Private. 128567.
2nd Battalion Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
Died of wounds 15th April 1918. Age: 22
Private Arnold Edgar Payne was born in Frome, and was the fourth son of Mrs W. Payne, of 25, New Building, Frome. Formerly T4/237985 Army Service Corps. He had joined the army three years previous, and served with the Royal Army Medical Corps, and was transferred to the Army Service Corps, and again transferred to the Machine Gun Corps, who he went to France with in February 1918. He had died of wounds received in action. Private Payne was of a quiet, reserved natured man, but was liked by all who knew him. He is buried at Bac-Du-Sud British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: II. B. 30. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial, and Christ
PAYNE Herbert
Private. 23890.
1st Battalion Devonshire Regiment
Died of wounds 17th April 1917
Private Herbert Payne was born at Frome, and enrolled into the army at Chippenham Wiltshire. There is no record of him with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, therefore no place of burial or commemoration can be found. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
PAYNTER Louis Photo
Private. 9123.
1st Battalion Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment)
Killed in action 13th October 1914. Age: 17
Private Louis Paynter was born in Frome, and was the son of William and Susan Paynter, of 23, Plumbers Barton, Frome. Louis joined the army nine months before he met his death, joining at sixteen years old. It was said, because he was well grown for his age, he passed for nineteen at enlistment. He was so eager to join up, that his mother’s appeal that he should wait a couple more years came to no avail. Louis was well thought of by those of his work mates, some of which remembered him by sending gifts of cigarettes. Formerly a boy scout, and only gave up when his uniform didn’t fit him. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 33 and 34. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial and St. john’s Memorial in Frome.
PAYTON William Henry
Private. 17341.
1st Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 9th April 1917. Age: 27
Private William Henry Payton was born in Frome, and was the son of William Henry and Ellen Maria Payton, of 46, Naish’s Street, Frome. He is buried at Fampoux British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: A. 10. His name appears on The War Memorial, and Trinity Church Memorial, Frome.
PENNY Bertram Oliver
Corporal. 546147.
Royal Army Medical Corps.
Died 28th July 1918. Age: 44
Private Bertram Oliver Penny was the son of William Henry and Charlotte Ann Penny, of Frome. He was attached to the 2nd London Sanitary Company of the Royal Army Medical Corps, and had died of sickness. He is buried at Cairo War Memorial Cemetery Egypt. Grave Ref: O.220. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial and St. John’s Memorial.
PHILLIPS Albert Augustus
Private. 23433.
1st Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment
Died of wounds 6th November 1918. Age: 20
Private Albert Augustus Phillips was born in Wyke Champflower, Somerset, and lived at Witham Friary, near Frome. He was the son of John and Kate Phillips, of Wyke Bruton, Somerset. Formerly 2631 Dorsetshire Yeomanry. He is buried at Etretat Churchyard Extension, Seine-Maritime, France. Grave Ref: III. D. 4. His name appears on the Witham Friary Memorial.
PHILLIPS Edward William Photo
Private. 60558.
17th Bn. Royal Welsh Fusiliers
Killed in action 31st July 1917. Age: 29
Private Edward William Phillips was born at Nunney, Frome, and was the son of Edward Phillips, of Nunney Catch, Frome; and husband of Agnes Emily Phillips, of 25, Locks Hill, Frome. Edward was employed by a Mr Read, of Frome, as a lorry driver before enlisting into the Army Service Corps in January 1917, later being transferred into the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He left a widow and a daughter, who can be seen on the back cover. His daughter still lives in Frome today. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ieper, Belgium. Panel 22. His name appears on the Nunney War Memorial.
PHILLIPS Frank
Sapper. 7191.
4th Field Company Australian Engineers
Died of wounds 13th December 1916. Age: 45
Sapper Frank Phillips was born in Mells, Frome, the son of Henry Phillips and the late Emma Phillips; and husband of Florence E. Phillips, of 141. Manchester Road, Millwall, London. He is buried at Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt-L’Abbe, Somme, France. Grave Ref: VI. F. 6. His name appears on the Mells War Memorial.
PHILLIPS F G
Unknown Rank, Service Number,
Regiment/Ship
Unknown cause and date of death
No Phillips F G can be found in “Soldiers Died”, or in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission database associated with Frome. His name appears on the Trinity Church Memorial, Frome
PHILLIPS Frank Thomas Photo
Corporal. 456039.
Royal Army Medical Corps
Killed in action 6th November 1917. Age: 30
Corporal Frank Phillips was the youngest son of Thomas and Elizabeth Phillips, of The Swan Inn, Badcox, Frome. Frank was employed at Butler & Tanner, printers of Frome as a reader before war broke out, and had served in the Territorial Royal Army Medical Corps, but on the outbreak of war volunteered to rejoin. He was accepted, and was with the force mobilised at Frome in the Autumn of 1914. Formerly attached to the 1st/1st Battalion West Somerset Yeomanry, he went with them to the Mediterranean. Frank was at the Dardanelles, and afterwards went to Egypt and Palestine with the Somerset’s. In a letter from the Commanding Officer of the battalion from the testimony he had received from eye witnesses of the, “Gallant work Corporal Phillips did on the 6th of November 1917 at the battle of Sheria”. He also quotes a letter from the Medical Officer, who was wounded by the same shell, “... I was dressing a poor chap on a stretcher, when they dropped a few yards away a 5 ft. 9 inch shell; the same shell I believe, killed poor Corporal Phillips, for I am rather hazy as to what happened after that. I wish here to mention that he was an excellent lad, and worked with me the whole time, absolutely oblivious to the danger around him, and his courage is worthy of the highest mention...”. The commanding officer of the battalion added, “... I cannot tell you what a loss your brother is to the battalion. Throughout the campaign he has done splendid work, and you must be proud that he has met such a gallant death in the service of his King and Country. It may be some small consolation to you to know that had your brother lived I should have recommended him for the award of the D.C.M...”. Corporal Phillips had lived with his eldest brother in Alexandra Road, Frome. He left a fiancé, and is buried at Beersheba War Cemetery, Israel. Grave Ref: L. 72. His name appears on the War Memorial, St. John’s, and Christ Church Memorials in Frome.
PHILLIPS Harold John Photo
Private. 1466.
1st/4th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Died 3rd July 1916.
Private Harold John Phillips was born at Beckington, Frome, and lived at Warminster Road, Beckington, near Frome. Harold had died from disease in hospital in Mesopotamia, and the last letter that his father received from him was dated the 4th May 1916, when he said, he was then some miles from the firing line after having been in the trenches for over a month, during which he could not get a change of clothes, not even a clean pair of socks, or a shave. “...So you can guess I looked pretty rough, when we came out. One thing I was thankful for was Miss Harris sent me a parcel while I was up there containing two pairs of socks and a box of gold flake fags, and never was anything more thankfully received than was that. My own socks were rotted off my feet and my feet were sore, through not being able to take my boots off. So you can guess I was pretty plight, but it is much better now, I’m glad to say...”. He is buried at Basra War Cemetery, Iraq. Grave Ref: V. T. 12. His name appears on the Beckington War Memorial.
PICKARD Harry Photo
Private. 1627.
28th Battalion Australian Infantry. A.I.F
Unknown cause of death 29th July 1916.
Private Harry Pickard lived at Rode, before emigrating to Australia. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, Somme, France. His name appears on the Rode War Memorial.
PICKFORD Clement Samuel
Private. 14750.
6th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 16th September 1916. Age: 35
Private Clement Samuel Pickford was born in Selwood, Frome, and was the son of the late Samuel Clement Pickford, of Frome; and husband of Florence Agnes Scudamore (formerly Pickford) of 52, Friggle Street, Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2A. His name appears on the the following War Memorials, Frome, St. John’s and Buckland Dinham, Frome.
PICKFORD Joseph
Private. 18121.
13th Battalion Welsh Regiment
Killed in action 10th July 1916
Private Joseph Pickford was born, and lived in Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 7A and 10A. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
PIKE Arthur Edward James
Private. M/348471.
Army Service Corps
Died 28th March 1918. Age: 30
Private Arthur Edward James Pike was born at Frome, and lived in Wine Street, Frome. Arthur was employed by the Co-operative Society, and Mr Bynoth, of Badcox, Frome. He joined the Army Service Corps as Motor Transport driver late in 1917, and was attached to the 12th Motor Transport Company, 4th Mob-sub-centre. Arthur developed rheumatic fever, and after three months hospital treatment died of complications that followed. His body was brought back to Frome and interred at Frome (Christ Church) Churchyard. Grave Ref; III. 2. 73. His name appears on Christ Church Memorial, Frome.
PINCHEN Albert Herbert
Sergeant. 201027.
2nd/4th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Died of wounds Egypt. 21st April 1918.
Sergeant Albert Herbert Pinchen lived at Frome. He is buried at Ramleh War Cemetery, Israel. Grave Ref: CC. 53. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
POTHECARY William James
Bandsman. 28870.
1st/4th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders
Died of wounds 20th June 1921. Age: 30
Bandsman William James Pothecary was the son of Mr and Mrs A. M. Pothecary, of 11, Bath Street, Frome. He went out to France in 1914, and is buried at Frome (Christ Church) Churchyard. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
PREECE Henry Tom Photo
Rifleman (Lance Corporal). R/18388.
20th Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps
Died of wounds 3rd September 1916
Lance Corporal Henry Tom Preece, was born at Nunney, Frome, and was the second son of Tom and Sarah Preece, of the Market Place, Nunney; and husband of Mrs H. T. Preece, of Nunney. Henry joined the Royal Rifle Corps in January 1916, and trained at Wellingborough, went out to France on March 30th 1916, landing at Le-Havre. Wounded on the 25th July 1916, as a member of a wiring party, erecting barbed wire obstacles, and received a gunshot wound in the abdomen, which also injured his spinal cord and back. Henry was admitted to the hospital at the base, and after several days transferred to Netley Hospital, England where he died. His body was removed to Nunney for internment, and he had a brother (see Preece W) in the Wiltshire Regiment, who was killed in action a month earlier. A firing party from Sutton Veny, Wiltshire, of the 2nd/7th London’s, fired three volleys over his grave. Henry left four young children, the youngest he never saw. He is buried at Nunney (All Saint’s) Churchyard, Frome. His name appears on the Nunney War Memorial.
PREECE Walter Photo
Private. 7343.
1st Battalion Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment)
Killed in action 6th July 1916. Age: 29
Private Walter Preece, was born at Frome, and was the son of Tom and Sarah Preece, of the Market Place, Nunney, Frome. Walter had served for nine years in the army, prior to war breaking out. Three were spent in India, and three in South Africa. He had just started to work at Hallatrow Railway Station as porter when war broke out, and returned to his regiment. Walter was at the “Battle of Mons”, and was slightly wounded at Loos, and was admitted to hospital at Rouen, France with bronchitis for some months. Walter was one of five brothers serving in the military, Henry Tom Preece, his brother (see Preece H. T) died two months later. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 13A. His name appears on the Nunney War Memorial, Frome.
PRESCOTT William Photo
Lance Sergeant. 12743.
5th Battalion. Canadian Infantry (Saskatchewan Regt.)
Unknown cause of death 24th May 1915.
Lance Sergeant William Prescott has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. His name appears on the Rode War Memorial, Frome.
PRINCE Frederick Ernest
Private. 30861.
6th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment
Died 8th October 1918. Age: 20
Private Frederick Ernest Prince was born at Holwell, Nunney, Frome, and was the son of Frank and Emily Prince, of West Cranmore, Shepton Mallet, Somerset. He is buried at Cologne Southern Cemetery, Germany. Grave Ref: V. G. 12. His name does not appear on any Memorial in Nunney or Frome.
PRINCE Sidney
Private. 22458.
3rd Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Died 5th May 1916. Age: 22
Private Sidney Prince was born in Kilmington, Wiltshire, and was the son of George Prince of Kilmington Common, Wiltshire. He is buried at Kilmington (St. Mary) Churchyard, Wiltshire. His name appears on Witham Friary War Memorial.
PROPERT Edgar Mortimer Photo
Private. 990.
Essex Yeomanry
Killed in action 14th May 1915.
Private Edgar Mortimer Propert was born at Rode, Frome,and lived in Little Waltham. Son of David and Elizabeth Propert, of, 205, Brodport Street, St. Ebbs, Oxford. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ieper, Belgium. Panel 5. His name does not appear on the Rode War Memorial.
PURNELL William
Lance Corporal. 22604.
6th Battalion Duke of Edinburgh's (Wiltshire Regiment)
Killed in action 7th April 1917. Age: 25
Lance Corporal William Purnell was born in Beckington, Frome, Somerset, and was the son of Edward and Mary Ann Purnell, of 10, Harford Street, Trowbridge. He is buried at Elzenwalle Brasserie Cemetery, Voormezeele, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave Ref: VI. C. 3. His name does not appear on the Beckington Memorial.
PULLEN J A
Unknown Rank, Service Number, Regiment/Ship
Unknown cause and date of death
No Pullen J. A, can be found in “Soldiers Died”, or the Commonwealth War Graves Commission database associated with Frome. His name appears on Trinity Church Memorial, Frome.