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TALBOT William
Private. 2420.
41st Reserve Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Died Home 21st September 1916. Age: 47
Private William Talbot was born in Street, Somerset; and was the husband of Alice Townsend (formerly Talbot) of 11, Whittox Lane, Frome. He is buried at Frome (Holy Trinity) Churchyard, Somerset. Grave Ref: New Ground 8. His name appears on Frome War Memorial.
TANNER Gerald Russell MC
Second Lieutenant.
Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment)
Died of wounds 8th April 1918. Age: 24
Second Lieutenant Gerald Russell Tanner, was the younger son of Major Russell R. Tanner (Rifle Brigade), a partner in the Frome printers Butler and Tanner. and Mrs Tanner of St. Winifred Lodge, Winifred Dale, Bath, and formerly of Beckington, Gerald was promoted temporary Lieutenant in July 1917, and won the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, during an attack he showed the greatest courage and initiative with only two men he rushed a defended farm, killing the garrison and capturing the position, he showed a splendid example throughout. He died of wounds on the 8th of April 1918 at the Eastern Military Hospital Cambridge, which he received in action on the 24th of March 1918. He is buried at Cambridge (St. Giles & St. Peter) Church Cemetery, Cambridgeshire. Grave Ref: Right half, at back of cemetery, after the funeral service at Cambridge College Chapel. He had an older brother Lieutenant H. R. Tanner, who served in the 1st/4th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry, who was wounded in the leg. Gerald Russell Tanner’s name appears on the Frome War Memorial and Beckington War Memorial.
TAYLOR Alick (photo)
Sergeant. C/9658.
20th Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps
Killed in action 26th September 1917. Age: 20
Sergeant Alick Taylor was born in Frome and was the son of Frank and Annie Taylor, of 42, Vallis Way, Frome. He was employed as clerk with Mr John Coles, auctioneer of Frome. He is buried at Potijze Grounds Cemetery, Ieper, Belgium. Grave Ref: II. D. 16. His name appears on The War Memorial, St. John’s, and Trinity Church Memorials in Frome.
THOMPSON Charles Richard
Private. 57984.
10th Labour Company Devonshire Regiment
Died of disease 20th April 1918. Age: 33
Private Charles Richard Thompson was born in Middlesex and lived in Frome, and was the son of Mrs and the Late Mr Thompson of 17, Vicarage Street, Frome. He was employed at Cheap Street Dairy, Frome. He was transferred to (104798) 743rd Area Employment Corps. He died suffering from brights diseasenephritis uremia at the 3rd Australian General Hospital, Abbeville, France. He is buried at Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. Grave Ref: IV. A. 12. His name appears on Frome War Memorial and St. John’s Church Memorial.
THOMPSON John William (photo)
Private. 13857.
10th Battalion Devonshire Regiment
Killed in action 24th April 1917. Age: 27
Born in Frome, eldest son of John William and Hannah Mary Thompson of 14, Summer Hill, Frome; and husband of Mrs Thompson of 45, Trinity Street, Frome. Private John William Thompson was a well known footballer in the district and played for Frome Town Football Club, Christchurch Club and others. John was a good all round athlete. and joined the army on the 9th of September 1914, trained at Pulteney Street, Bath and Sutton Veny, Wiltshire. John was killed in action in Salonika, Greece, and had a brother who died as a prisoner of war in Kut. See Thompson Stanley. He is buried at Doiran Military Cemetery, Greece. Grave Ref: V. B. 30. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial and St. John’s Memorial in Frome
THOMPSON Stanley (photo)
Private. 1931.
1st/4th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Died 22th June 1916. Age: 23
Private Stanley Thompson was born in Hull, and was the son of John William and Hannah Mary Thompson, of 14, Summer Hill, Frome. Stanley was a Frome Territorial, and was training on Salisbury Plain when war broke out. He was mobilised with the battalion, and after further training went to India where he volunteered for active service, and was transferred to the Dorset Regiment on that regiment going to Mesopotamia, with General Townsend’s Expeditionary Force. In one of the engagements with the enemy at Kut he was taken prisoner on the 29th April 1916. Nothing was heard of him for some time until his parents received a letter, contents of which were: “... I am grieved to have to send you the enclosed letter....your son passed away on the 22nd June...You will however, I am sure, find consolation from the knowledge that your gallant son gave his life for his country and did his bit in preserving our homes and liberties and in the fighting for what we all hold most dear...”. Stanley died of dysentry and is buried at Mossul where his name is on the Basra memorial Panel 12, and also on the Frome War Memorial and St. John’s Memorial.
THORNE Frank (photo)
Private. 37503.
12th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 2nd September 1918. Age: 21
Son of Mr and Mrs Thorne, of Little Keyford, Frome. Private Frank Thorne was born in Frome, and was formerly S4/147041 Army Service Corps (A.S.C). Prior to the war he was an apprentice in the baking trade with a Mr Bloodworth, of Frome. Frank joined up in December 1915, and was at once utilised at his trade in the A.S.C. Leaving Devonport on January 21st 1916, and arriving at Alexandria on monday night of the 31st of January 1916. Frank was then moved to Metras camp, where he remained for six weeks, and was then sent on to Port Said, where he had his first taste of warfare in the shape of air raids by the enemy. Afterwards he was stationed at Cairo, El Kentara, Zeitoun, and accompanied the victorious forces of General Allenby to Jerusalem. Later Frank was transferred to the Somerset Light Infantry, returning to Egypt and left El Kantara arriving in Marseilles a week later. He was home at Frome for a short period on leave and went back to France after the August bank holiday. The family were well known in Frome, the father being a coal merchant and also having a milk round in the town. Frank is buried at Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension, Ste Radegonde, Somme, France. Grave Ref: V. B.15. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
THORNE William L (photo)
Sapper. 506503.
106th Field Company Royal Engineers
Died of wounds 17th April 1918. Age: 22
Son of Alice and the late William Thorne, of 18, Chapel Road, West Norwood, London. Sapper William Thorne lived at St. Aldhelm’s Home, Frome, before lodging with a Mrs Swift, of 15, Redland Terrace, Frome, and was employed with C. Barnes & Son, of Frome, William was well known in Frome, joining the army two and a half years previous to his death. Formerly 1768 Somerset Light Infantry. Volunteering to go with a party of other soldiers to capture a German machine gun, he was wounded and died of his wounds shortly after. William has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Passchendael, Belgium. Panel 8 and 162. His name appears on Frome War Memorial.
THORNE Herbert
Private. 9573.
1st Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry
Killed in action 10th April 1917. Age: 23
Private Herbert Thorne was born at Feltham, Frome, the son of Herbert and Mary Elizabeth Thorne, of 19, Lower Keyford, Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 4. His name appears on Frome War Memorial.
TOOP Robert Daniel (photo)
Private. 1094.
15th Battalion Australian Infantry. A.I.F
Died of wounds 31st May 1915.
Private Robert Daniel Toop was a native to Beckington, near Frome,and was the son of Daniel B. and Elizabeth Kate Toop, of Blatchbridge, Frome. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the number 6 Lone Pine Memorial, Turkey. Panel 78. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
TOPP Nelson Alexander (photo)
Able Seaman. 239475.
H.M.S. “Indefatigable” Royal Navy
Killed in action 31st May 1916.
Able Seaman Nelson Alexander Topp was the son of Priscilla Topp, of 9, Trinity Parade, Frome. He was a leading torpedo seaman, and was killed in action at the “Battle of Jutland”, he was with the “Indefatigable” when it was involved in the great naval fight at 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 Able Seaman Topp. He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon. His name appears on The War Memorial, and Trinity Church Memorial, Frome.
TROTTER Alexander William Lewis
Major.
9th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment
Killed in action 12th July 1916. Age: 46
Major Alexander William Lewis Trotter was educated at Bradfield College and held a commission in the 3rd Yorkshire Regiment, from which he retired in 1893. Alexander emigrated to Virginia U.S.A, and was in England on holiday at the outbreak of war, and immediately offered his services to his old regiment, but at the time there was no vacancy. As soon as the Public School Brigade was formed Alexander enlisted and was soon given a commission in the Leicestershire Regiment. He received his Captaincy on the 30th November 1914, and was gazetted major on the 24th April 1916. Married to Cameron, daughter of Colonel Browning, of Virginia, U.S.A. When in England, Major Trotter spent most of his time at Standerwick Court, Frome. He is buried at Dantzig Alley British Cemetery, Mametz, Somme, France. Grave III. H. 8. His name appears on the Beckington War Memorial.
TRUSSLER Thomas Wyndham
Sergeant. 12451.
10th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment
Died of wounds 27th October 1915. Age: 21
Sergeant Thomas Wyndham Trussler was born at Mells, near Frome, and was the son of Abel and Louisa Trussler, of St. Chloe Green, Amberley, Gloucester. He is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: III. E. 15. His name does not appear on the Mells War Memorial.
TUCKER Robert Bruce
Private. 242927.
1st/7th Bn. Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Killed in action 29th April 1918
Private Robert Bruce Tucker was the son of the late Harry Tucker, of Holmfirth, Huddersfield, and formerly of Frome. The news of his death was received by his sister, Mrs H. Weaver, of Paul Street, Frome, being her youngest brother. He was employed in the cloth making industry in Frome, and joined the army in 1915. Robert was away from the front line in a rest camp when he was killed instantaneously by long distance artillery fire. He was a batman to an officer in the regiment, and is buried at Klein-Vierstraat British Cemetery, Kemmel, Heuvelland, West Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave Ref: V. C. II. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial and St. John’s Church Memorial in Frome.
TUCKER William John
Private. 25983.
7th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 23rd March 1918
Private William John Tucker was born in Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France. Panel 25 and 26. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
TUDGAY Albert (photo)
Driver. T4/110349.
Army Service Corps
Drowned at sea. 2nd June 1917. Age: 40
Driver Albert Tudgay was born at Kingston Deverill, Wiltshire, the son of Thomas and Eliza Tudgay, of Kingston Devreill, Wiltshire; and husband of Sarah Ann Tudgay, of 48, West Woodlands, Frome. Albert drowned at sea from the Hired Transport ship “Cameronian”. For fifteen years previous he worked for a Miss Pickford, of Frome as a carter, and had joined the army early 1915, training for twelve months in Yorkshire, before going out with mule transport to Salonika, where he had been since January 1917. Albert was married for 17 years, and left four sons and a daughter aged between 5 and 16 years old. He is commemorated on the Chatby Memorial, Egypt. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
TUDGAY Theodore Frank
Private. 28994.
7th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 26th March 1918. Age around 23
Private Theodore Frank Tudgay was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, and was the son of William and Eliza Tudgay of 7, Hussey's Almshouses, Castle Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire. Theodore was well known in the Frome area, and worked as gardener for Mr H. S. Davy, of Somerleaze, Frome, and joined the army three years before he met his death, when he was twenty years old. He went out to France early 1917, and in July of 1917 was wounded, and spent four months in hospital. He is buried at Foreste Communal Cemetery, Aisne, France. Memorial 23. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
TURNER Alfred Fred
Private. S/8925.
6th Battalion Queens Own (Royal West Kent Regiment)
Killed in enemy air raid 10th November 1916. Age: 19
Private Alfred Fred Turner was a native of Frome, and was the son of Mr and Mrs William Turner, of 49, Ceres Road, Plumstead, London. He was killed during an enemy air raid, and is buried at Humbercamps Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: I. E. 5. His name does not appear on any Frome Memorial.
TURNER Frederick William
Private. 8827.
1st Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment
Killed in action 7th November 1914. Age: 22
Private Frederick William Turner was born in Bournemouth, and was the son of John James Turner, of 8, Whittox Lane, Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ieper, Belgium. Panel 35 and 37. His name appears on St. John’s Church and both Frome Memorials.
TURNER William
Able Seaman. 114371, (RFR/CH/B/1459. R.N.)
H.M.S “Cressy” Royal Navy
Killed in action 22nd September 1914. Age: 49
Able seaman William Turner was the son of the late William Turner, of Frome; and husband of Agnes Hannah Turner, of 99, Grove Road, Holloway, London. He was killed in action with a submarine in the North Sea. The “Cressy” was one of three old British armoured cruisers of 12,000 tons each, 14 to 15 years old, cruising off the Dutch coast, without any destroyers to scout. It was work for which they were not suited, and were slow in speed and manoeuvring power, they made huge targets for attack above and below water. It was a mistake to use such old slow ships, but the lower area of the North Sea had to be patrolled in sufficient force to guard Belgium against cruiser raids, and protect the transport of British troops and materials. H.M.S “Aboukir” was the first to be hit by torpedo, being the middle ship of the three. H.M.S “Cressy” steamed up to rescue the men, thinking she had hit a mine. The second to be hit was H.M.S “Hogue”, who remained afloat for twenty minutes before probably being hit by a second torpedo and sank. H.M.S “Cressy” started to steam a zig zag course, and hoping to save the men in the water, but at 7.30 in the morning she was hit by a torpedo and turned completely upside down and sank. A total of 62 officers and 1,400 men were lost with the three British cruisers, 25 officers and 536 men from the “Cressy”. Able Seaman William Turner was one of those men. The three ships had not realised that they had been hit by a torpedo. His name is commemorated on the Chatham Memorial, Kent. Panel 3. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
UDELL Edwin Thomas (photo)
Lance Corporal. 2886.
6th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment
Killed in action 25th December 1915. Age: 30
Lance Corporal Edwin Thomas Udell was born in Frome, and was the son of Frank Udell, of Leys Lane, Frome. He was killed by a German shell which landed in his trench and burst amongst him and his comrades at 3 pm on Christmas Day, a few days after his return to the Western Front from three weeks leave. He was formerly a gardener, employed at Welshmill House, Frome (Miss Sinkins), and at Fromefield House, Frome (Rev. R. Gordon), he had also worked as a gardener at Clifton College, where he joined the army in 1914. He is buried at Hebuterne Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: I. L. 22. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
VALLIS John Lewis Harvey (photo)
Lance Corporal. 14880.
10th (Service) Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment
Killed in action 29th August 1916. Age: 22
Lance Corporal John Lewis Harvey Vallis was born in Hemington, Frome, and was the second son of Lewis Walter and Florence Elizabeth Vallis, of Hemington House, Alexander Road, Frome. Lance Corporal Vallis worked at Parr’s Bank at Wincanton, and joined the 12th Gloucester's (Bristol's Own) in October 1914. He trained at Bristol, then went to Wensley Dale joining the 95th Brigade, 32nd Division. On the 21st November 1915 he landed in France, and after a good spell in the trenches he suffered from “trench foot”, and was admitted to hospital for a short period, then moved to a hospital at Whitchurch, near Cardiff. After spending two months in hospital he fully recovered, and was drafted into the 10th (service) Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment and left for the Western Front again in May 1916 in charge of a machine gun. In a letter home dated the 22nd of August 1916 John told of how he put a German machine gun out of action, and at that time he was all right. He was well known in football circles in Frome and taught at Zion Sunday School. John had three brothers also in the army: Lieutenant Vallis, in Mesopotamia, another in Salonika, and the third training at the time. John has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier & Face 5A & 5B. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial and St. John’s Memorial.
VEASEY John (photo)
Private. 3/7328.
6th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 29th August 1916
Private John Veasey was born at Nunney, Frome, and was the husband of Mrs Veasey of Selwood Road, Frome, Private Veasey joined the National Reserves at Frome soon after the outbreak of war and volunteered for active service. He trained at Plymouth until July 1915, then went to France. He had been out at the front for 13 months. Before joining up he was secretary of the Frome Brotherhood Band, which he took an active part in the formation. He was also a member of the Frome Town Band. Private Veasey was killed in action on the morning of Tuesday the 29th August 1916, while performing useful but dangerous work. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier & Face
2A. His name appears on The War Memorial, St. John’s, and Trinity Church Memorials in Frome.
VINCENT Bertram Henry (photo)
Private. 6921.
1st Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 26th August 1914.
Private Bertram Henry Vincent was born in Barton St. David. He is buried at Fontaine-Au-Pire Communal Cemetery, Nord, France. Special Memorial 1. His name appears on the Rode War Memorial.
VINER Oliver James (photo)
Sergeant. C/9089.
“C” Company 20th Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps
Killed in action 14th July 1916. Age: 37
Sergeant Oliver James Viner was born in Westbury, Wiltshire, and lived at Beckington, Frome. He was the eldest son of James and Emma Viner; and husband of Emma O. Viner, of 74, Addiscombe Court Road, East Croydon, Surrey. He joined the Rifle Corps in October 1915, and went out to the Western Front, and landed at Le Havre, France on the 30th March 1916. On the 19th of May 1916, the 20th Battalion Kings Royal Rifle Corps were transferred to the 3rd Division, as a Pioneer Battalion, and on the 14th of July 1916, along with the 7th Division cleared the ground at Mametz, Somme, France. It was during this first day of clearing the area that Sergeant Viner was killed. He is buried at Flatiron Copse Cemetery, Mametz, Somme, France. Grave Ref: V. G. 2. His name appears on the Beckington War Memorial.
VRANCH Herbert Thomas
Private. 1969.
1st/4th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Died 15th April 1916. Age: 30
Private Herbert Thomas Vranch was born in Coleford, Bath, and was the son of Henry Charles and Matilda Francis Vranch, of Mells Green, Mells, Frome. He is buried at Kut War Cemetery, Iraq. Grave Ref: D. 13. His name does not appear on the Mells War Memorial. Brother of Edward Joseph Vranch (see Vranch E.J)
VRANCH Edward Joseph
Sergeant. 4928.
6th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 16th September 1916. Age: 38
Sergeant Edward Joseph Vranch was born in Peasedown St. John, near Bath, and was the son of Henry Charles and Matilda Francis Vranch of Mells; and husband of Edith Annie Vranch of Ashgrove, Peasedown St. John, Bath. He was mentioned in dispatches, and was the holder of the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, Order of St. George 1st Class (Russia). He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2A. His name appears on the Mells War Memorial. Brother of Herbert Thomas Vranch (see Vranch H.T)