Frank William Hudson
Member of Dakeyne Street Lads’ Club (2nd Nottingham Company Boys’ Brigade).
1911 - blacksmith striker
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
Frank William Hudson was born in 1888 at Nottingham, the son of George Hudson of Milk Street Nottingham. He was the brother of Nellie, Robert, Henry and Joe.
Frank married Bertha Lilley (b. 12 June 1888), the daughter of John and Ellen Lilley, on 8 October 1910 at St Ann's Church, Nottingham. They had one child, Frank Leslie (b. 27 June 1915).
Frank, a blacksmith's striker, and his wife, a lace jennier, were living at 15 Hyde Street, Lowdham Street, Nottingham, in 1911.
Bertha and their son were still living at the same address in 1921; also in the household was Mary Burton, a lace jennier, who was probably a lodger. Bertha's widowed father, John Lilley, later came to live with her at 15 Hyde Street and died there in December 1925 (interred Nottingham General Cemetery).
Bertha and her son Frank, who was an insurance claims assessor, were recorded on the 1939 England and Wales Register at 16 Kingswood Road, Nottingham. Also in the home was J Braybrooks, a retired general labourer.
Bertha was living on Langstrath Road, Nottingham, at the time of her death on 29 September 1964; administration of her Will was awarded to her son, Frank Leslie. Frank died on 13 June 1986 (Nottingham Evening Post, 14 June 1986).
Private Frank William Hudson enlisted at Nottingham and served with 2/7th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby Regiment).
The 27th Battalion was formed on 19 September 1914 at Nottingham as a second line unit. In January 1915 it came under command of 2nd Notts & Derby Brigade, 2nd North Midland Division, but in August the same year the formation became 178th Brigade, 59th (2nd North Midland0 Division. The Battalion was in Ireland in 1916 then moved to Fovant, Wiltshire, prior to the Battalion joining BEF France, landing at Le Havre on 26 February 1917.
Frank was killed in action on 26 September 1917 during the Third Battle of Ypres and is buried in Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium (XII. C. 20.) The history of the Cemetery indicates that Frank's grave may have been brought in after the Armistice.
He qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
CWGC history of Tyne Cot Cemetery (extract): 'It is now the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world in terms of burial. Tyne Cot Cemetery is located in an area which was known as the Ypres Salient where Commonwealth, French, Belgian and German forces fought almost continuously throughout the First World War ... The Cemetery was greatly enlarged after the Armistice when remains were brought in from the battlefields of Passchendaele and Langemarck, and from a few small burial grounds, including the following (listed).'
Frank's brother, Joe, also served in the War.
Frank's brother-in-law, John William Lilley, his wife's brother, served in the Machine Gun Corps (19657 Corporal) and was killed in action on 30 May 1917. He is buried in Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery. (See record on this Roll of Honour)
CWGC Additional information: Husband of Bertha Hudson, of 15, Hyde Terrace, Lowdham St., Nottingham.
CWGC headstone personal inscription: 'For all of us he did his best God grant to him eternal rest'
WW1 Pension Ledgers: named his widow Bertha and son Frank Leslie.
Registers of Soldiers Effects: his widow Bertha was his sole legatee.
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 19 October 1917; Hudson. Killed in action, September 26th, Sergeant FW Hudson, Sherwood Foresters, aged 29, the dearly beloved husband of Bertha Hudson, 15 Hyde-terrace, Lowdham-street, Nottingham. A devoted husband, a faithful friend, one of the best that God could lend. He bravely answered duty’s call, his life he gave for one and all; but the unknown grave is the bitterest blow, none but aching hearts can know. From his sorrowing wife and sonny.’ (www.britisnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 19 October 1917; Hudson. Killed in action, September 26th, Sergeant FW Hudson, Sherwood Foresters, aged 29, dearly-beloved son of Mr and Mrs Hudson, Milk-street. A noble life sacrificed. Sorrowing mother and father, sister Nellie, brothers Herbert, Harry & Joe (in France).’ (www.britisnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 19 October 1917: ‘Hudson. Killed in action, September 26th, Sergeant FW Hudson, Sherwood Foresters, aged 29, A noble life laid down. From aunts Sarah and Annie, niece Evelyn, and uncle Walter.’ (www.britisnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 19 October 1917:’Hudson. Killed in action,September 26th, Sergeant FW Hudson, Sherwood Foresters, aged 29,our beloved brother-in-law. We cannot tell who next may fall beneath Thy chastening rod; one must be first, then let us all prepare to meet our God. Sadly missed by his sisters-in-law, also brothers-in-law.’ (www.britisnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Notttingham Evening Post, ‘Deaths’, 30 December 1925: ‘Lilley. On 27th inst., at his daughter’s residence, 15 Hyde-terrace, John Lilley aged 68. Peace after weariness.’ [daughter, Bertha Hudson] (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Additional research and information Peter Gillings. Additional notes RF (Jan. 2026)
Frank William Hudson
Buried in Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium. Photograph Sherwood Foresters Regiment 'Roll of Honour' website.
Photo of Frank William Hudson
Buried in Tyne Cot Cemetery (www.cwcg.org)