Military History

Frank is listed as dying of wounds on 6th October 1917 and he was buried in the Godewaersvelde British Cemetery which was used for burials by the 11th, 37th and 41st Casualty Clearing Stations. The 15th Battalion war diary does not give any specific clues as to which day Francis was wounded on and the diary entries from the 1st to the 6th are transcribed below with casualties being noted on the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th.

Berthen – 1.10.1917: In billets, re-equipping ready to go into action.

Casualties: Nil

Berthen – 2.10.1917: In billets.

3.30am: Transport moves
5.15am: Battalion moved off to embus at Berthen
11.30am: Arrived Ridge Wood
7pm: Arrive at Bedford House. Carrying party of 2 NCO’s and 32 men for 13^th Machine Gun Coy detailed to remain attached to 13 M.G.C. Companies equip and barrage rations issued.

2/Lt R.B. Cole detailed to take charge of Forward Brigade Relay Post and 1 NCO and 4 Signallers detailed for Brigade Visual Signals.

Casualties: Nil

Beford House – 3.10.1917 – 6.30pm: Battalion moved to Reserve Line, A, C & D Coys to Stirling Castle, B Coy in Tor Top. Battalion HQ in Concrete Dugouts in Jam Reserve (J.13.d) by 11.30pm

Carrying parties to front lines.

13^th Infantry Brigade have to capture whole of objective between the points 28.J.16.d.65.50 to 28.J.21.d.65.95.
1/Royal West Kent on the right and 2/KOSB on the left carry out the attack.
14/R War R in Support and 15/ R War R in Reserve
Zero hour 6am

Casualties: OR wounded 5 & missing 2.

In Action – Bedford House - 4.10.1917: Battalion moves up to East side of J.15.c in close support. One Coy at Tor Top carrying. Battalion HQ established at J.14.d.95.40 in concrete Pill Box by Tower.

Following message received - Following from 2^nd Army begins “Please accept and convey to all that is engaged my hearty congratulations on success achieved today”. General Plummer.

Casualties: Officers wounded 1. OR’s 6 killed, 64 wounded and 9 missing.

In Action – Bedford House - 5.10.1917: C & D Coys go forward to hold line with A remaining in close support.

9pm: 16/R War R come up to take a new support position. A, C & D Coys relieved under orders of OC 2/KOSB and return to Stirling Castle (Jam Reserve).

Carrying parties by B Coy from Tor Top. 13^th Infantry Brigade less 15/R War R relieved by 15^th Infantry Brigade.

Casualties: Officers wounded 1. OR’s killed 10 & wounded 7

In Action – Bedford House - 6.10.1917: 5am – Three Coys in position by Stirling Castle

7am: 16/R War R report in position and 15/R War R Battalion HQ withdraw to Tor Top and thence to Stirling Castle.
15/R War R come under the orders of 15^th Infantry Brigade.
A Coy carry to 1/Norfolk Regt in left front line
B Coy carry to 1/Bedfordshire Regt in right front line

Casualties: Other Ranks: Killed 1, Wounded 9 and Missing 1