Francis Robert Adkin
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Francis Robert was born in 1889 (registered Jul/Aug/Sep), the youngest son of John Samuel Dunn Adkin and Ann Adkin. He was probably known as Frank as this is the name recorded on the 1911 Census which was completed by his mother. John was born in Nottingham (abt. 1853/54) while his wife was born in Burton Joyce (abt 1854). They were to have eleven children of whom nine were declared to be still living at the time of the 1911 census. The names of the children vary on each census but it seems likely from the ages in each census year that only eight children were named on the census between 1881 and 1911; Emma Gumbley, Elizabeth, Lois Sabina, John William (William), George H, Francis Robert, Edith Elsie and Ethel Mary V. John was a coal miner and the 1911 census shows that he was working at the Wollaton Colliery. In 1881 John and Ann were living at West Thorpe, Killamarsh, Derbyshire, with their two eldest children, Emma (4, b. 1880) and Elizabeth (1) who had both been born in Killamarsh. By 1891 John and Ann had moved to Nottingham and were living at 10 Brushfield Street, Hyson Green. There were six children in the household; Emma (14), Elizabeth (11), Lois (9), John (7), George (3, b. 1887) and Francis (1). Their third daughter, Lois, had also been born in Killamarsh and been baptised in the parish church on 22 March 1882. Their younger children were all born in Nottingham either in Radford or Hyson Green. The family was at the same address in Hyson Green ten years later in 1901; seven children were at home: Emma, Lois, John, George, Francis and two more daughters, Edith (7) and Ethel (3, b. 1897). By 1911 John and Ann had moved house but only to 133 Brushfield Street. Five of their children were at home on the night of the census; Emma, Elsie (17), John, George, Francis and Ethel. With the exception of Ethel who was still at school, all their children were at work. Their third daughter, Lois, had married in 1905 and left home. It is known that Francis' brother George served in the war. He may have served in the RFA/RGA as there is an index card for a Gunner George H Adkin on the Medal Roll (BWM, VM). He probably died in 1965 at the age of 78. Francis' mother, Ann, died on 24 November 1931; she and her husband were still living at 133 Brushfield Street. His father, John, died in 1942 (registered March) age 88.
Francis attested on 9 December 1915 and was in France by the following year. He committed a number of misdemeanours while 'in the field' being awarded Field Punishment No. 2 in October 1916 for disregarding orders and Field Punishment No. 2 again the following month for falling out from a working party without permission. The following year in 1917 he was awarded leave from 28 September to 10 October although it is not known whether he was able to return home during this period. He was killed in action on 24 October 1918 and is buried in Fontaine-au-Bois Communal Cemetery (grave ref. D.10). He qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Notice of his death published Nottingham Post 20 November 1918: '“ADKIN. – (Officially). – Killed in action in France October 24th, after being wounded in Italy, Pte. Francis Robert, Sherwood Foresters, late postman, dearly loved youngest son of John and Ann Adkin, 133 Brushfield-street, Hyson Green. Honoured and loved he lived, noble and brave he died. So near, and now so far. – From his heart-broken mother, sorrowing dad, sisters, and brother George (in France). “ADKIN. – Killed in action October 24th, 1918, Pte. Frank Adkin, Sherwood Foresters, the dearly loved brother of Elizabeth and Arthur Yarnold. Deeply mourned.” Adkin. Killed in action in France, October 24th, Private Francis Robert Adkin, Sherwood Foresters (late postman), youngest son of John and Ann Adkin, 133 Brushfield Street, Hyson Green. Mother, father, sisters, brother George in France.' 'In memoriam' notice published 24th October 1919 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- ADKIN. – In loving and cherished memory of our dear son and brother, 36532 Pte. F. R. Atkin (Frank) Adkin, 11th Sherwood Foresters (late postman), killed in action October 24th, 1918, at Fontaine, buried at Fontaine Au Bois Communal Cemetery, east of Le Cateau. Oh for a sound of his footsteps, and a sound of his voice that is stilled. Beautiful and good memories will be ever in our thoughts. – From his sorrowing mother, father, sisters, and brother George. Also of our dear sister Emma, widow of the late Councillor Charles Carter, of Wakefield, Too good and kind to be forgotten. – From sister Elizabeth, brother John, wife, and family. “ADKIN. – In loving memory of our darling brother Frank, who died one year ago, fighting with the 11th Sherwood Foresters. Everlasting sorrow. – Lois, John, and Connie.” Above notices are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918 Register of Soldiers' Effects: his mother was his sole legatee. However, his father was named as his next of kin when he enlisted. Probate: Adkin Ann of 133 Brushfield-street Nottingham (wife of John Samuel Dunn Adkin) died 24 November 1931 Probate Nottingham 1 December [1931] to Emma Gumbley Adkin spinster and Arthur Yarnold mechanic. Effects £220 19s. 8d. Probate: Adkin Francis Robert of 133 Brushfield-street Hyson Green Notitngham died 24 October 1918 in France administration (with Will) 10 June [1925] to Ann Adkin (wife of John Samuel Dunn Adkin). Effects £103 8s. 10d.
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