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RACEN George (Photo)
Private. 19671.
7th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Died of wounds 9th October 1916. Age: 30
Private George Racen was born at King’s Lynn, Norfolk, and was the husband of Alice Racen, of 109, The Butts, Frome. George was a stretcherbearer in the Somerset’s, and died of wounds received in action. His wife received a letter from him on the 4th of October 1916, stating that he was well, and on the 9th, she was formally informed by the War Office that he had died of wounds. George was formerly employed by a Mr F. Bendle, of Frome, and joined the Somerset’s in September 1915, training at Blandford and Swanage. He left for the Western Front in December 1915, and is buried at Longueval Road Cemetery, Somme, France. Grave Ref: A. 10.His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
REBBECK William Henry MC (Photo)
Lieutenant.
50th Division Royal Engineers
Died 4th November 1918. Age: 25
Youngest son of Mr and Mrs William Rebbeck, of Welshmill, Frome; and husband of Mrs L. F. Rebbeck, of 48, Lichfield Road, Stafford; brother of Mrs Stillman, of Fromefield, Frome. Lieutenant William Rebbeck was educated at the Blue School, Frome, and was training with a Mr Rigg, architect, of Frome, andafterwards followed his profession at Stafford for three and a half years, before joining up as a private in April 1916, in the Royal Engineers. He was given acommission, being gazetted on the 10th of March 1917. Returning to France in April, he was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in a raid west of Cherisy,France, in September of that year, when the enemy’s dug outs were bombed. He took part in three German offensives, and was the only officer left out of the company who came through unhurt in the 50th Division. He was home on leave,and returned to France on September 24th 1918. He married the younger daughter of Mr G.L. Buckingham, of Siemens’ Dynamo Works, and lived at 48, Lichfield Road, Stafford. In a letter from the sister and chaplain of the hospital ward he was in, it appeared that Lieutenant Rebbeck was ill some days before reporting sick, but he tried to carry on. He died of Influenza. He is buried at Busigny Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France. Grave Ref: II.C.25. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial and St. John’s Memorial.
REEVES Herbert Frank
Private. 31311.
1st Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment
Killed in action 11th August 1918
Private Herbert Frank Reeves was born in Dublin, Ireland, the son of Mrs Reeves, of 21, Castle Street, Frome. He is buried at Damery Communal Cemetery, Somme, France. Grave 2. His name appears on The War Memorial, and Trinity Church Memorial, Frome.
RENYARD Robert
Lance Corporal. S/2070.
7th Battalion Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own)
Killed in action 16th October 1917. Age 29
Lance Corporal Robert Renyard was born in Witham Friary, Frome, the son of Mary Amelia Renyard, of 14, Longhedge, Corsley, Wiltshire. He is buried at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave Ref: I. D. 10. His name does not appear on the Witham Friary War Memorial.
RICHARDS Arthur John (Art)
Electrician 4th Class. M/7749.
H.M.S “Indefatigable” Royal Navy
Killed in action 31st May 1916
Son of P. S. Richards, of Keyford, Frome. Electrician Arthur John Richards joined the Navy two years prior to war breaking out, and was trained on H.M.S “Defiance”. In November 1914 he went to Malta and joined the “Indefatigable”, a 20,000 ton Battle Cruiser. He was on the “Indefatigable” when it was involved in the great naval fight off Jutland, off the Danish coast. Admiral Beatty engaged the German battle cruiser squadron and battle fleet, inflicting heavy losses. The enemy dispersed and retreated, with the result of fourteen British ships being sunk, amongst them was the battle cruiser “Indefatigable”. The “Indefatigable” was the rear battle cruiser in the British fleet, and the German guns concentrated on her and gave her a pounding. Part of her fire control position was shot away, and then she was struck by a series of salvos. Under the enemy’s massed fire the “Indefatigable” heeled over until her bilge keel could be seen. Then a salvo of shells blew the bottom out of the ship. 790 officers and men went down with her, including Electrician Arthur John Richards. In February 1916, he returned to Frome for leave. He had made his home in Plymouth, Devon, where he left a widow and two children. His name appears on the on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon, and the War Memorial, St. John’s, and Christ Church, Frome. Able Seaman Frederick Herbert Coombs (see Coombs) and Able Seaman Nelson Alexander Topp (see Topp) Stoker William John Applegate (see Applegate) also lost their lives on “Indefatigable” on the same day.
RIGG Ronald Reginald Percival (Photo)
Lance Corporal. 3/3784.
6th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 12th February 1916. Age: 19
Son of Percival Birkett and Elizabeth Annie Rigg, of Monmouth House, Cork Street, Frome. Lance Corporal Ronald Reginald Percival Rigg, was born at Burton in Staffordshire. He joined the 6th Somerset’s in September 1914, training at Plymouth, in four months he was promoted to Lance Corporal. He left with his battalion for France and landed at Boulogne on the 21st May 1915, without having the opportunity to visit home. Details of the circumstances on how he met his death were explained in three letters, one from Pte. S. Pickford who wrote, “...It happened during a heavy bombardment while he was acting as guide for a relief party as they were leaving the trenches. He was knocked down by a “whizz bang” in the stomach, death being instantaneous. (A whizz bang was the name given to artillery shells due to the noise they made) I happened to be the only Frome man near when it occurred...” In a letter from Private R. Trott who wrote, “...He died a hero, fighting to the last, and he never knew his death. Poor chum, he was always at his post...” In a letter from Lieutenant S.J.B. Coradine wrote, “...the death of your son... who was in my platoon... You will be proud to know that he died in action, and in spite of very severe shelling at the time, he cheerfully undertook the task which was given to him,...he was buried in the soldiers cemetery about two miles behind the firing line, and which is situated on the banks of the Yser Canal. He is buried at La Belle Alliance Cemetery, Ieper, Belgium. Grave Ref: A. 4. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial, and St. John’s Memorial in Frome
ROBERTSON William
Gunner. Royal Garrison Artillery
Unknown cause of death and date
According to the Somerset War Memorial in Wells Cathedral, Somerset, William Robertson was a gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery. There are a number of William Robertson’s listed with “Soldiers Died”, and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, none of which can be directly linked with Frome.
ROSE Herbert Hastings
Stoker 1st Class. K/28717.
H.M.S “Cambrian” Royal Navy
Died 31st October 1918. Age: 25
Stoker 1st Class Herbert Hastings Rose was the son of Mrs Emily Bainton, of 85, Selwood Road, Frome. He died at Stonehouse Hospital, Plymouth, and is buried at Frome (Vallis Road) Cemetery. Grave Ref: M. 61. His name appears on The War Memorial, and Trinity Church Memorial, Frome.
ROSS Alan Hamilton (Photo)
Private. STK/1095.
10th Battalion Royal Fusiliers (London Regiment)
Killed in action 15th July 1916. Age: 30
Private Alan Hamilton Ross was born at Paddington, London, and was the son of Nora Stapleton Laurence (formerly Ross) of 15, Henrietta Street, Bath, and the late William Ross. Alan lived with his mother for many years at the Old Church House, Beckington, near Frome. A prominent and popular athlete, he was president of the Junior Conservative Association, honorary secretary of the cricket club and played with the team, and also played with the Frome Rugby Football Club. Alan joined the 10th Fusiliers (London) at the formation of the battalion, and was attached to the machine gun section and served in France. Refusing a commission and promotion he was killed by a shell with two other soldiers. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 8C, 9A and 16A. His name appears on the Beckington War Memorial.
RUSSELL David
Private. 35981.
3rd Labour Company Hampshire Regiment
Died of 17th April 1917. Age: 40
Private David Russell was born at Reading in Berkshire, and was the son of the late Noah and Emily Russell, of Reading; and husband of Jessie Louise Russell, of 22, Horton Street, Frome. He is buried at Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: II. E. 78. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
RUSSELL Frederick (photo)
Driver. 1577.
2nd/1st (South Midland) Field Coy. Royal Engineers
Died 6th March 1916. Age: 36
Driver Frederick Russell joined the army in November 1914, and went to the Western Front in Easter 1915. Fred was home for the last time in November 1915, where he left a widow and five children. Prior to enlisting, he was coachman to the late Mr A.G. Hayman, of Hapsford House, working there for five years, and for six years before that he worked in the stables at the George Hotel in Frome. In a letter from Lieutenant J. Basil Watling, who’s batman Fred was, wrote, “ ...It is with the greatest sorrow that I write to sympathise with you on the death of your husband. Driver Russell had been with me as batman since the company was formed in December of 1914, and we had been together since. He had been unwell with a cough for some time, and on March 5th was taken with an acute attack of Pneumonia. Fred was admitted to hospital that day, and died there on March the 6th...” He is buried at Beauval Communal Cemetery, Somme, France. Grave Ref: D. 16. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial, and St. John’s Church Memorial.
ROWLAND Arthur Tucker
Private. 85244.
2nd/2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers (London Regiment)
Killed in action 10th September 1918. Age: 18
Private Arthur Tucker Rowland was born in Frome, and was the son of Mr and Mrs Rowland of 4, Vallis Terrace, Frome. Reported missing in France September 10th 1918. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. panel 3. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
SAINSBURY Charles Pomeroy. MC
Lieutenant.
1st Battalion Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment)
Died of wounds 7th June 1917. Age: 27
Lieutenant Charles Sainsbury was the son of Herbert and Margaret Fanny Sainsbury, of Greystone House, Devizes, Wiltshire. He formerly worked at the Capital and Counties Bank in Frome, and was a cousin to Mrs Porter, of South Parade, and King Street, Frome. Charles was killed at Messines, Belgium, whilst leading his men in an attack, and was struck in the spine by a piece of shell, and died whilst being taken back to a dressing station. Charles won the Military Cross for conspicuous bravery in the field. He had sacrificed his position in the bank in order to volunteer for military service. He is buried at St. Quentin Cabaret, West-Vlaaderen, Belgium. Grave Ref: II. N. 1. His name does not appear on the War Memorial.
SAINSBURY Samuel
Driver. 42636.
127th Battery Royal Field Artillery
Died 11th August 1917
Driver Samuel Sainsbury was born in Frome, and is buried at Curragh Military Cemetery, County Kildare, Ireland. Grave Ref: 1246. His name appears on The War Memorial, and Trinity Church Memorial, Frome.
SEAGER Edwin Robert MM (photo)
Corporal. 15004.
54th Field Company Royal Engineers
Killed in action 14th July 1916. Age: 29
Corporal Seager was born at Swindon in Wiltshire and was he third son of Mr F. H. Seager and Mrs E. Seager of 2, Wallbridge Avenue, Frome. Educated at North Wilts Technical School, Swindon, where his parents then lived, and had served an apprenticeship at the Great Western Railway works. Formerly 6668 Somerset Light Infantry, Edwin then joined the Royal Engineers in 1906, where he saw service at Gibraltar, and several years in Malta before being posted to Ireland for a period after the war started, before he went to the trenches in France. He was defending a trench with his section against a heavy onslaught by the enemy on July 14th 1916. The section sergeant wrote that “...the Germans were swarming over the front, but Corporal Seager was one of those who stuck to them to the end. .... He died as I knew him, a good pal, a sticker.....” The enemy attack was eventually repelled. This was where Corporal Seager won his Military Medal. He is buried at Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval, Somme, France.Grave Ref: XI. B. 33. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
SERGEANT Walter Stewart
Private. 33353.
6th Bn. Alexandra Princess of Wales Own (Yorkshire Regiment)
Killed in action 16th August 1916
Private Walter Stewart Sergeant was born in Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 5. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
SHARLAND Joseph Henry
Private. 20697.
5th Battalion Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment)
Killed in action 5th April 1916
Private Joseph Henry Sharland was born in Frome, and lived in Swindon, Wiltshire. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Basra Memorial, Iraq. Panel 30 to 64. His name does not appear on any Memorial in Frome.
SHERSTONE Albert James (photo)
Rifleman. C/9666.
20th Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps
Killed in action 17th June 1917. Age: 23
Son of Albert and Mary Sherstone, of 15, Innox Hill, Frome. Rifleman Albert James Sherstone was born at Yeovil, Somerset and worked at the Radstock branch of the Great Western Railway and joined the army on the 24th November 1915. Albert was involved in the two great advances in The Battle of the Somme, having been wounded in the left hand in the first offensive and gassed in the second, being invalided home. Albert was one of three killed in a group of Frome men, (according to the Somerset Standard) of one company of the King’s Royal Rifle Corps. The other soldiers killed were Ralph Stanley Butt of Frome, and Lance Corporal A. J. Baily, of Croscombe, Somerset, and not Frome as the newspaper report stated. A total of those injured from the same regiment from Frome was seven in the single bombardment. It all happened in a heavy enemy counter attack on a newly won position. The men were engaged in some important work consolidating, when the attack was made by the enemy and they at once ‘ Stood To’ and succeeded in fighting back a stronger force and held the position. In a letter from a Captain Cope, he wrote, “ the men were engaged together and .....a heavy hostile bombardment suddenly broke out. A shell fell where the men were at work. Rifleman Sherstone was killed on the spot”....Another letter states that he was almost unrecognisable, and it was believed he was blown to pieces. The Somerset Standard states the date of death in the letter from Captain Cope as being the 4th of June 1917, but according to records the date of death is shown as the 17th June 1917. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 7. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial and St. John’s Church Memorial.
SHORT Oliver James (photo)
Second Lieutenant
10th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment
Died of wounds 3rd April 1918.
Only son of Mr James Short, of Combe Down, Bath. Second Lieutenant Oliver James Short died of his wounds received in action whilst in the hands of the Germans as prisoner of war. Captured on the 24th March 1918, at Peruwelz, Germany. At the time the War Office had notified his parents that they assumed his death, as he had not been heard of since his battalion went into action on March 20th 1918, the day after he arrived in France, from leave, to rejoin his regiment. Before the war Oliver Short was a coach builder at Christchurch Street (South Hill) Frome, and was educated at Keyford College. In 1900 he joined the North Somerset Yeomanry, and attained the rank of sergeant, being very keen, he followed up all branches of the work of the regiment. Oliver was an accurate shot, and twice won the cross guns marksman’s badge, also the crossed flags as a signaller and the crossed swords for swordsmanship. An active member of the Frome Volunteer Fire Brigade, and showed his skill and adeptness by winning prizes and holding a high position in their competitions. In 1909 he left England for Australia, where he embarked in the business of coach building. Oliver returned from a successful run of trade for a six month’s holiday in 1914, and on the war breaking out rejoined his old regiment as a trooper in September 1914. Oliver remained at the headquarters at Bath, training recruits until November 1915, when he went over to France with his regiment. He went unscathed through the early part of the war, promoted to the rank of sergeant major, and at the end of 1916 was offered a commission and returned to England for training in Scotland. Being successful in training was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Worcester Regiment, and returned with them to France in July 1917, bravely leading and caring for his men in the duties they had to undertake, and earning the character from a fellow officer that he was one of the bravest “fellows” he had ever met, and a tower of strength in the trenches. Another fellow officer wrote “...that he had lost his best pal, was fearless in battle, a fine example to his men, and his death is a great loss to the army, when so few of the “old boys” are left...” On the front, near Cambrai, Oliver was over the top with his men gaining his objective in the face of such odds that he only brought back seven with him. He had been recommended for the Military Cross. He is buried at Tournai Communal Cemetery Allied Extension, Tournai, Belgium. Grave Ref: V. M. 4. His name appears on The War Memorial, St. John’s, and Trinity Church Memorials in Frome.
SHORT Walter Henry (photo)
Private. DM2/179017.
904th Motor Transport Coy. Army Service Corps
Died at Sea 15th April 1917
Private Walter Henry Short was born and lived in Rode, near Frome. He was on the hired transport "Arcadian", which was torpedoed and sunk, 41.5 kilometres north east from the island of Milo (Melos). She carried reinforcements for Egypt. His name is on the Mikra Memorial, Greece. His name appears on the Rode War Memorial.
SILK Leonard William
Rifleman. R/2155. 12th Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps
Killed in action 6th October 1915. Age: 20
Rifleman Leonard William Silk was born at Rickmansworth, Buckinghamshire, the son of William Silk, of Littleton Gardens, Blandford Forum, Dorset. He is buried at Rue-Du-Bacquerot No. 1 Military Cemetery, Laventie, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: II. D. 20. His name appears on the Mells War Memorial.
SILLIS Victor Albert
Private. G/15428.
1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers
Killed in action 17th June 1916
Private Victor Albert Sillis lived in Frome, and was formerly 62487 Royal Field Artillery. He is buried at Berks Cemetery Extension, Ploegsteert, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium. Grave Ref: II. B. 35. Formerly buried in the grounds of a private villa, and re-buried at this location. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
SINGER Leslie Alfred
Private. 20169.
12th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Died of wounds 15th November 1917. Age: 23
Private Leslie Alfred Singer was born at Frome, the son of Alfred Singer, of 62, Selwood Road, Frome. He died of gunshot wounds, and is buried at Kantara War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. Grave Ref: E. 32. His name appears on The War Memorial, and Trinity Church Memorial, Frome.
SINGER Thomas
Private. 25955.
7th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Died 14th February 1917. Age: 39
Private Thomas Singer was born at Smethwick, Staffordshire, and was the husband of Edith M. Edwards (formerly Singer), of 7, The Mint, Frome. He is buried at Frome (Christ Church) Churchyard, Somerset. His name appears on the War Memorial, and Christ Church, Frome.
SLADE Victor
Private. 30241.
2nd/4th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment
Killed in action 6th April 1918. Age: 19
Private Victor Slade was born at Frome, the son of Francis Henry and Ellen Slade, of 124, The Butts, Frome. He is buried at Ramleh war Cemetery, Israel. Grave Ref: Q. 31. His name appears on the War Memorial, and Christ Church, Frome.
SMITH Arthur Edgar
Stoker 1st. Class. K/4926.
H.M.S “Vivid” Royal Navy
Died of wounds 2nd December 1918. Age: 27
Stoker Arthur Edgar Smith was the son of George Oliver Smith, of 20, Locks Hill, Frome. He was torpedoed on his vessel in the Dardanelles and died of his wounds at home. He is buried at Frome (Vallis Road) Cemetery, Somerset. Grave Ref: K. 72. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
SMITH Edgar Robert
Sergeant. 9183.
2nd Battalion Welsh Regiment
Died of wounds 11th November 1917. Age: 28
Sergeant Edgar Robert Smith was born at Frome, the son of Mr and Mrs W. H. Smith, of Floral Cottage, 64, Marston Road, Frome. He was with his platoon on the morning of the 10th of November 1917, taking rations to another company, who were in the front line, when a shell exploded and wounded a lance corporal, Sergeant Smith went to his aid, and was wounded by another shell. He was taken to the dressing station, and died the following morning. He had been with his platoon for fifteen months before he met his death. An officer wrote, “...Sergeant Smith did his duty with the utmost vigour, and was a very gallant soldier. He is buried at Lijssenthoek, Poperinge, Belgium. Grave Ref: XXII. HH. 29. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
SMITH Llewellyn Harry
Private. 5117.
1st Battalion Devonshire Regiment
Killed in action 12th July 1915. Age: 34
Private Llewellyn Harry Smith was born in Frome, and was the husband of Mrs F. A. Smith, of 146, High Road, Wood Green, London. He is buried at Chester Farm Cemetery, Zillebeke, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave Ref: III. F. 8. His name does not appear on the Frome Memorial.
SMITH Montague Vincent Charles (photo)
Lance Corporal. 20983.
5th Battalion Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment)
Died of wounds 10th May 1916. Age: 21
Lance Corporal Montague Vincent Charles Smith was born in London, and was the son of Vincent and Eva Smith, of 58, Christchurch Street East, Frome. He joined the army whilst working in Salisbury, Wiltshire around June 1915. Serving in the Persian Gulf with the Indian Expeditionary Force he was wounded on the 9th of April 1916. He is buried at Amara War Cemetery, Iraq. Grave Ref: XXII. F. 4. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial and St. John’s Church Memorial in Frome.
SMITH Victor (photo)
Gunner. 145883.
83rd Siege Battery Royal Garrison Artillery
Killed in action 5th January 1918. Age: 20
Gunner Victor Smith was born at Frome, and was the son of Mr and Mrs E. Smith of 62, Keyford, Frome. He was formerly employed by Mr A. Vincent, fishmonger, of Cheap Street, Frome. On reaching age, he joined the Somerset Light Infantry, and was transferred to the Royal garrison Artillery acting as signaller, when he was killed near Ypres, now Ieper, Belgium. In a letter from the corporal of his section he said he always found him, “...a most trustworthy and energetic signaller...”. Only a short while previous to his death, he came out top of a signalling class. He is buried at Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, Ieper, Belgium. Grave IV. A. 15. Private Herbert Olding (see Olding) is also buried in this cemetery. His name appears the War Memorial, St. John’s, and Christ Church Memorial in Frome.
SMITH William George (photo)
Private. G/9191.
11th Battalion Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment)
Killed in action 15th September 1916
Private William George Smith was born in South Kensington, London, and was the son of Mrs C. Smith, of Horton Street, Frome, and formerly of Berkley, Frome. Being a reservist, he joined up in July 1915, going out to France in May 1916. he had previously served seven years in the Welsh Fusiliers, being stationed in Hong Kong. When he retired into the Reserve he held the rank of Corporal. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. His name appears on Trinity Church Memorial,
Frome.
SMYTHIES Ernest Dudley (photo)
Captain.
Corps of Royal Engineers
Died 16th July 1918
Captain Ernest Dudley Smythies was the husband of Mrs E. H. Smythies, of 60, Collier Road, West Hill, Hastings, formerly of Rode, near Frome. He is wearing the cap badge of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, so one can only assume, without digging deeper, that he was formerly in this regiment. He is buried at Cheltenham Cemetery, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom. Grave Ref: A1. 1182. His name appears on the Rode War Memorial.
SNELL William George
Private. 19392.
5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment
Killed in action 4th October 1917
Private William George Snell was born in Wimbourne,Dorset and lived in Frome. Formerly 25878 Somerset Light Infantry. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium. Panel 92. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
SPAREY Walter Charles
Private. 12711.
Depot Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Died of wounds 1st March 1918. Age: 28
Private Walter Charles Sparey was the son of Mr W. and Susan Sparey, of 130, The Butts, Frome. He was wounded at the Belgian town of Ypres on the 3rd of April 1916 and died on the 1st of March 1918. He is buried at Frome (Christ Church) Churchyard, Somerset. His name appears on the Frome War Memorials and St. John’s Memorial in Frome.
SPAREY William
Private. 28861.
3rd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment
Killed in action 26th August 1916
Private William Sparey was born in Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 5A and 6C. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
SPARROW Albert Edward
Private. 3/7224.
6th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Died of wounds 19th January 1918. Age: 37
Private Albert Edward Sparrow was the nephew of Mrs Sparrow of Robin’s Lane, Frome. He was formerly employed by United Breweries and volunteered for active service, and went out to the Front Line soon after the outbreak of war. He wrote a letter saying that he was wounded in action on the 4th of July 1916 and was in the Duchess of Connaught’s Canadian Red Cross Hospital at Clevedon, having received wounds in the head and left hip. Albert returned home after being gassed, and died from the effects of gas poisoning. He also served in the South Africa War, and is buried at Frome (Holy Trinity) Churchyard. Grave Ref: Old Part 4. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial and St. John’s Memorial.
SPARROW John
Chief Stoker. 131854. (RFR/PO/A/2245)
Royal Navy
Killed in action 31st May 1916. Age: 49
Chief Stoker John Sparrow was born in Frome and was the son of John and Sarah Sparrow, of Portsmouth; and husband of Rose A Sparrow, of 15, Walden Road, Northsea, Portsmouth. He was killed in action during the “Battle of Jutland”, but the Commonwealth War Graves Commission do not name the ship he was on. His name appears on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. Panel 15. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
SPELLER Herbert Elsmere
Private. 25802.
12th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Died of wounds 15th December 1917. Age: 32
Private Herbert Elsemere Speller was born at Frome, the son of Samuel and Mary Speller; and husband of Maud V. Speller, of 20, Christchurch Street East, Frome. He formerly worked for the Lamb Brewery in Frome, and it was reported in the Somerset Standard of the 16th of November 1917, that he was wounded at Port Said on November the 4th 1917. He is buried at Alexandra (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. Grave Ref: D. 267. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial and St. John’s Church Memorial in Frome.
STAGG Arthur John
Second Lieutenant.
2nd Bn. West Yorkshire Regt. (Prince of Wales’s Own)
Killed in action 27th May 1918
Second Lieutenant Arthur John Stagg has no known grave and is commemorated on the Soissons Memorial, Aisne, France. His name appears on the Frome war Memorial and St. John’s Church Memorial in Frome.
STANTIAL Frank Evered
Second Lieutenant.
3rd Battalion Suffolk Regiment
Died of wounds 4th May 1915. Age: 26
Second Lieutenant Frank Evered Stantial was the son of Reverend Stantial and Mary Kennard Stantial, of Woodlands Vicarage, Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ieper, Belgium. Panel 21.
STENT Albert Reginald
Private. 265175.
11th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Died 29th March 1919. Age: 28
Private Albert Reginald Stent was the son of Mr and Mrs H. Stent of 2, The Mint, Frome; and husband of Ethel May Stent, of 2, The Mint, Frome. He died of pneumonia, following influenza at his home. He had only returned home a week earlier, after serving with his battalion in France and Flanders. He was an old Territorial, and joined up at the outbreak of war. Prior to going overseas he had seen service in the North of England and on the coast in Kent and Suffolk. He left a widow and two small children. He had a full military funeral at Frome (Holy Trinity) Churchyard, Somerset. Grave Ref: Old part 5. His name appears on The War Memorial, and Trinity Church Memorial, Frome.
STICKLER Walter Edgar
Private. 1580.
“C” Company 3rd Battalion Monmouthshire Regiment
Killed in action 6th May 1915. Age: 19
Son of Mr James Stickler of 6, Selwood Road, Frome. Private Walter Edgar Stickler was born in Frome and was employed at the Selwood Printing Works in Frome, before settling down in Wales. He served in the Welsh Territorials and was a marksman, winning several prizes on the rifle range. He joined the army at the outbreak of war. He left a widow and one child, who were resident in Abertillery. His parents were informed of the death by their other son, Pte. Herbert Stickler, of the 3rd Wiltshire’s, who was wounded at the Western Front, and was acting as orderly at Weymouth. In a letter to his parents, Pte Herbert Stickler said, “..I hope you will not upset yourselves too much about it. We must look at it in the right light. I suppose it was God’s will that he should die in battle, and we must pray to provide for his wife and child and to comfort her in her great sorrow” He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ieper, Belgium. Panel 50. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
STILLMAN Mon Henry (photo)
Private. 7832.
1st Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 22nd October 1914. Age: 37
Second son of Alfred Stillman, of 2, The Retreat, Frome. Private Mon Henry Stillman was born in Clutton, Somerset. According to the Somerset Standard he was 25 years old when he met his death. He would have nearly completed nine years service with the regiment. His parents received a letter from him on the 20th October 1914, stating that he was then quite well, and he had been through the battle of Mons and a piece of shell had passed through the sleeve of his coat without touching him. He mentioned that the French people were exceedingly kind to the British soldiers, and pictured their sadness of their being turned out of their homes. The first suspicion his parents had that something was wrong was contained in a postcard from Lance Corporal Herridge of Nunney (1st Somerset’s), to their daughter Miss Stillman, his fiancé. Lance Corporal. Herridge, who was wounded and in a London hospital, hinted that something was wrong with Private Stillman and promised to tell more when he came home. Later Lance Corporal Herridge wrote to his sister to say “Henry” was gone”. In a letter to friends from Private Victor Clarke from Frome, said that Private Stillman was wounded from ear to ear, and passed away two or three minutes afterwards. Private Henry Stillman had a brother in the Royal Marines who also lost his life (see Stillman William) He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Comines, Belgium. Panel 3. His name appears on The War Memorial, St. John’s, and Trinity Church Memorials in Frome.
STILLMAN William (photo)
Private, PO/13269.
H.M.S. “Bulwark” Royal Marine Light Infantry
Killed by internal explosion of vessel 26th November 1914. Age: 31
Son of Alfred Stillman, of 2, The Retreat, Frome. Private William Stillman had served for 12 years in the Royal Marines. He was on board the “Bulwark” when she suffered an internal explosion off of Sheerness on the 26th of November 1914. He had a younger brother serving with the 1st Battalion Somerset Light Infantry, who was killed in action on the 22nd of October 1914 on the Western Front. (See Stillman Mon Henry). He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire. Panel 15. His name appears on The War Memorial, St. John’s, Christ Church, and Trinity Church Memorials in Frome.
STOCK William Herbert
Private. 292343.
2nd/7th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers
Cause of death unknown 10th April 1919. Age: 30
Private William Herbert Stock was the son of William and Sarah Stock, of Frome. He is buried at Cairo War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. Grave Ref: Q. 300. His name appears on both War Memorials in Frome.
STOCKTING Reginald Arthur Stanley (photo)
Private. 113274.
256th Company. Machine Gun Corps
Died 1st November 1917. Age: 27.
Eighth son C. J. and Ellen Stockting, of High Street, Hilperton, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, formerly of Frome. Private Reginald Stocking was formerly 21353 Somerset Light Infantry, and was employed as an assistant at Knight’s drapers, of Catherine Street, Frome prior to war breaking out. Reginald was an old choir boy of St. John’s Church, Frome, and died of malaria while he was serving with his regiment at Dinapore, India. Volunteering two years previous, and after a short period of training he went to France and was a bomber, and Lewis Gun firer in the Front Line around Ypres, Belgium. Reginald spent about three months at the Western Front, being admitted to a base hospital with trench foot, and was sent back to England, admitted to a hospital at Norwich and afterwards to London for an operation. The operation proved successful and after recovering, was drafted out to India. He had four brothers also serving. He is buried at Basra War Cemetery, Iraq. Grave Ref: I. D. 17. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial and St. John’s Church Memorial in Frome
STOKES Percival Harry (photo) new
Rifleman. 7704.
1st/12th Battalionn London Regiment (The Rangers)
Killed in action 26th August 1916
Rifleman Percival Harry Stokes, formerly 20807 9th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry, lived at Rode, near Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 9C. His name appears on the Rode War Memorial.
STOKES Walter John (photo)
Private. 328.
13th Battalion Australian Infantry A.I.F
Killed in action 20th May 1915
Rifleman Percival Harry Stokes, formerly 20807 9th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry, lived at Rode, near Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 9C. His name appears on the Rode War Memorial. Private Walter John Stokes was born in Rode, near Frome. He is buried at Shrapnel Valley Anzac Cemetery, Turkey. His name appears on the Rode War Memorial.
STONE Thomas (photo)
Private. 417398.
Canadian Machine Gun Corps
Killed in action 9th April 1917. Age: 24
Son of Mrs Amilia Tarrant of “Blows” Cottage, Blatchbridge, Frome, formerly of “Highcroft” near Frome. Private Thomas Stone was born at East Woodlands, Frome on the 9th of February 1893. Formerly resident in Frome, where he was well known, before leaving for Canada in 1907, when he was a boy of fourteen. Thomas enlisted into the Canadian Army on the 23rd of July 1915, and was attached to the 41st Corps, 4th Division Machine Gun Corps. He visited Frome for five days leave before he went to France. After training he arrived in Boulogne, France on the 7th of September 1916. On the 4th of November 1916, he was admitted to the Number 7 Canadian General Hospital at Etaples, France suffering from a gunshot wound to the right buttock. On the 12th of December 1916 he rejoined his unit, and was killed in action during the capture of Vimy Ridge, France. In a letter from a comrade, 133211, Lance Corporal John Munnoch: France, April 17th 1917....” Tom was on my gun train, and I was with him at the last. He was shot through the neck, and death was instantaneous and painless. We have lived together and gone through so much together that I feel as if I had lost a brother. Tom was one of the coolest men that I have ever seen under fire, and we were always proud of him. The battle tool place on April 9th 1917....”extracts from a letter from a lieutenant commanding his platoon to his mother, said...” It is with deep regret that I write to you of the death of your son, Pte. Thomas Stone, who was killed in action on April 9th during the capture of Vimy Ridge.......Your son was in my section of the company, and I wish to bear testimony of the highest esteem in which he was held by all. What is your loss is also ours, and his death is mourned by the whole company. Private Stone was one of the best men in the section...always devoted to duty and cheerful under even the most trying conditions. He died as a true British soldier, bravely doing his duty....I understand that he was killed instantly, and suffered no pain..” He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial, France. His name appearson the Frome War Memorial.
STOTT Joseph Herbert (photo)
Sergeant. 51006.
14th. Squadron, Machine Gun Corps (Calvary)
Killed in action 26th March 1918
Second son of Mr Clement Stott, of Wadbury Farm, Mells. Sergeant Joseph Herbert Stott was born at Mells, near Frome and was employed at Date Brothers of Frome before joining the army in August 1914, at the outbreak of the war, and was quickly promoted. On July 24th 1917, he married Miss F. Munden, of Bridport House, Crewkerne. In a letter from his commanding officer he states, “... Your husband is a very great loss to my squadron, and will be missed by officers and men alike. He was a most capable and valuable N.C.O, and did especially well at the beginning of the year, when he acted as Quartermaster Sergeant to the party, then in the trenches. I thought most highly of him, and was very sorry indeed to learn of his death...”. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France. Panel 93 & 94. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial. Brother to Maurice Mark Stott (see Stott M.M)
STOTT Maurice Mark (photo)
Private. 24606.
3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards
Killed in action 25th July 1917. Age: 23
Private Maurice Mark Stott was born in Mells, Frome and was the son of Clement and Jane Stott; and husband of Cicely Stott, of Sleight Farm Woolverton, near Frome. He is buried at Bleuet Farm Cemetery, Elverdinghe, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave Ref: I. C. 12. Brother to Joseph Herbert Stott (see Stott J.H).