Frederick Charles Crofts
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Frederick (known as Fred) was born in 1876 (birth registered O/N/D Nottingham), the youngest son of O. & J. Crofts. Frederick had two brothers, George and Tom, and one sister. At the time of his death his mother was living at 2 Colwick Crossing. He married Susannah Sharp/also Sharpe (b. 23 December 1873) at Nottingham St Mary's in 1904 (marriage registered J/A/S Nottingham) and according to the information on the 1911 Census when they had been married for 8 years, they had had four children of whom only three survived: Charles Frederick b. 13 October 1904, Daisy b. 22 January 1906 and John Leslie b. 29 December 1907. They later had another child, Robert Leonard, b. 20 June 1912. In 1911 Frederick (36) and Susannah (36) were living at 19 Cremorne Street, Meadows, with their three children, Charles (7), Daisy (5) and John (2). Also in the household was Susannah's widowed mother, Elizabeth Sharp (68). Their third son, Robert Leonard, was born the following year. At the time of Frederick's death in 1917 the family was living at 13a Cremorne Street, Meadows. His widow probably died at the age of 53 on 7 October 1927. His eldest son, Charles Frederick, married Harriet Trevelyan in 1933 (marriage registered J/F/M Nottingham) and died on 24 July 1976 age 71 (buried Northern Cemetery, Bulwell). Daisy was living with Alfred and Marie Perkins and their family on Church Grove, Nottingham, in 1939 when the England & Wales Register was compiled; she was a hosiery worker. Daisy later married (Clarke). John Leslie has not yet been traced after the war. Robert Leonard died on 20 April 1976.
Frederick Charles Crofts volunteered for service and following training was drafted to France, arriving in theatre on 14 July 1915. He was killed in action just under two years later during a quiet time at the front following the end of the Battle of Arras. He was buried at Baillieul Road East Cemetery, Laurent Blangy (V.D.6. 'Buried near this spot'). He qualified for the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Nottingham Evening Post, Roll of Honour, 21 July 1917: ‘Crofts. Killed in action, July 3rd, Sergt. Fred Crofts, Sherwood Foresters, dearly beloved husband of Susie Crofts, 13a Cremorne-street, Meadows. Deeply mourned.’ Notice also published 20 July 1917.' (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, Roll of Honour, 21 July 1917: ‘Crofts. Killed in action, July 3rd, Sergt. FC Crofts, Sherwood Foresters, dearly beloved youngest son of J Crofts, 2 Colwick-crossing. Duty nobly done. – Mother, sister, and brothers George, Tom (in France).' Notice also published 20 July 1917. (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, In Memoriam, 3 July 1918: ‘Crofts. Killed in action July 3rd 1917, Sergt. F Crofts. Fondly remembered. Mother and sister.' (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, In Memoriam, 3 July 1918: ‘Crofts. In loving memory of Sergt. F Crofts, killed in action July 3rd 1917. Ever in our thoughts. Wife and children.' (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Registers of Soldiers' Effects: his widow, Susannah, was his sole legatee. Parish of All Saints, St Mary and St Peter, parish notices, 9 July 2017: 'Remembering 1456 Lance Sergeant Frederick Charles Crofts. The St Mary's ringers rang a quarter-peal of 1259 Grandsire Caters in 53 minutes on Monday 3rd July to mark the death of 14564 Lance Sergeant Frederick Charles Crofts, 10th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment), killed in action 3rd July 1917, following the Battle of Arras. He is buried at Ballieul Road East cemetery, Laurent Blagny, aged 42 years. L/Sgt Crofts was married at St Mary's, and is remembered on the St George's war memorial in the Meadows and also on the Loggerheads Roll of Honour in St Mary's. The ringing was arranged at the request of Sgt Crofts' great grandson, Andrew Charlesworth, who was present with other relatives to listen to the quarter.'
