Frank Thorpe
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Frank was born in 1892 the son of Frederick Henry Thorpe and Clara Thorpe formerly Ledger nee Daykin. Frank had older three siblings, Clara (b.1886), Harry (b. 1887) and Evangeline (b.1891), a half-sister, Eliza Ledger (b. 1877), and a half-brother, William Ledger (b. 1881). Frank's mother, Clara, had married William Joseph Ledger (b. 1853, Oxton), a lace maker, in 1876. They had three children; Clara (b. 1877), Joseph William (b. 1879) and William (b. 1881, birth registered O/N/D). In 1881 they were living at 12 Alison Rise, St Ann's, Nottingham; in the household on the night of the census was their son, Joseph William (1), and Clara's parents, Joseph and Eliza Dakin. Clara's husband died in 1881 (O/N/D) aged 28. Their second child, Joseph William, died the following year in 1882 (death registered J/A/S) aged 3. The widowed Clara married Frederick Henry Thorpe in 1885 (J/A/S). Frederick had been born in Lincolnshire in 1858, Clara was born in Ilkeston, Derbyshire (abt. 1856). In 1891 they were living at 21 Westminster Street, St Ann's, Nottingham. Frederick (32) was a van driver. In the home were Clara's two children by her first marriage, Eliza (13) and William (9), together with her two children by Frederick, Clara (5) and Harry (3). Frederick and Clara were still living at the same address ten years later in 1901. Frederick was now working as a general dealer. In the home on the night of the census were Clara (15) a lace finisher, Harry (13), Evangeline (9) and Frank (8). Eliza Ledger (23) was still living with her mother and stepfather but William appears to have left home and may well have married. The family was still living at the same address in 1911 and all four of Frederick and Clara's children were still at home; Clara (25), Harry (23) a warehouse clerk, Evangeline (19) a shop assistant, and Frank (18) a market stall holder. Clara's daughter, Eliza, had now left home and may well have married (Grange). Frank's older brother, Harry, married Florence Mabel Bartle on 9 November 1913 and they had a son, Donald Kenneth on 5 July 1914. Harry attested on 27 November 1915 and was mobilized on 31 May 1916. He also served in the Royal Garrison Artillery (6203 Bombardier) and served in France from 6 December 1916. He was evacuated to England in January 1917 and died in Fulham Military Hospital on 10 April 1917 ('spinal fever'). He was buried in Nottingham General Cemetery on 14 April. Frank died of wounds two months later on 9 June 1917 and his father, Frederick, died on 29 October 1917, just four months after his youngest son's death. When Clara Thorpe completed the form in 1919 she was still living at 21 Westminster Street. William Ledger (37) was living near Eastwood, Nottingham, and Eliza Grange nee Ledger (41) was living at 365 St Ann's Well Road, Clara Holmes nee Thorpe was living on Harlaxton Drive, Lenton, Nottingham, and Evangeline Ward nee Thorpe, was living at 47 Thornton Road, Bootle, Liverpool. Clara died in 1935 (December, Nottingham registration district) aged 79.
Royal Garrison Artillery 153rd Siege Bty. Frank attested in Derby on 11 December 1915 when he was 23 years and 1 month old, and was transferred to the Army Reserve on 12 December 1915. He was mobilized on 22 February 1916 and posted two days later on 24 February, joining Siege Depot A on 25 March 1916. Frank embarked Southampton on 27 August 1916 and disembarked at Le Havre on 28 August 1916. He was promoted corporal on 13 May 1917. He suffered gunshot wounds to the back and left foot on 8 June 1917 and died of his wounds at No 3 Canadian Casualty Clearing station the following day. He was buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery (grave ref XV.H.1A). In total he served 1 year 181 days. Home: 11 December 1915-28 August 1916 (261 days), BEF 29 August 1916-9 June 1917 (285 days). He qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Nottingham Post notice (abridged), 18 June 1917: 'Thorpe. Died of wounds, Corporal F Thorpe, Royal Garrison Artillery, 22 (sic) Westminster Street, age (-). Father, mother, sister and brother Eva and Louis, sister and brother (-) and Fred.' Nottingham St Mary Parish Register, p839, 21 Westminster Street (date of entry c1917): Thorpe, Harry and Frank (both killed), Frank choir and Sunday School teacher (St Anne's), 'large family'. (Nottinghamshire Archives, ref. PR,6786) Frank's father, Frederick Henry, was his legatee, but the Register of Soldiers' Effects also names AE Smith as executor of his estate, presumably because Frederick died before the arrangements were completed. Probate: Thorpe Frederick Henry of 21 Westminster-street St Ann’s Well-road Nottingham lace dealer died 29 October 1917 Probate Nottingham 20 November to Albert Edward Smith lace manufacturer. Effects £642 13s. 6d.
