Frank Lawrence
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Frank was the fourth son of Isaac and Annie Lawrence (née Phillips). His father Isaac was born in Madeley, Shropshire, in about 1861 and his mother was born in Worksop in about 1863. His parents were married in 1885 (reg. Worksop) and had nine children two of whom died in infancy. All the children were born in Worksop: William b. 1886 bap. Eastgate St John 1 July 1886; Ernest Leonard b. 1888 bap St John; Bernard b. 1890 (reg. 1891 J/F/M) bap. St John; Elsie b. 1893 bap. St Mary (Priory); Frank b. 1896 bap. St John 3 June 1896; Edith May b. 1898 bap St John d. 1901 (J/F/M); Harry Phillips b. 1899 bap. St Mary, d. 1900; Nellie Louisa b. 1901 and Albert Edward b. 1907. Isaac. a coal hewer, and Annie with their three sons William, Ernest and Bernard, were living at 8 Court 2, Eastgate, Worksop, in 1891 but in the previous five years had lived at 44 Eastgate and then in Cuckson's Yard. However, by 1901 the family had moved to 30 St Cuthbert Street. Isaac and Annie had had four children since 1891 but two, Edith and Harry, had died in infancy. Their five surviving children were in the home on the night of the census: William a grocer's errand boy, Ernest, Bernard, Elsie and Frank (5). Another daughter, Nellie, was born later that year and a son, Albert, in 1907. Isaac, who was employed as a sawyer's labourer at a woodyard, and Annie were living at 72 Potter Street, Worksop, in 1911. Six of their seven children were still living at home: Ernest a labourer at a gas works, Bernard a colliery pony driver, Elsie, Frank a colliery worker on screens, Nellie and Albert. The eldest son, William, had married Mary Ann Walton (b. 1885) in 1907 and they and their two children, Stanley and Hilda, were living on Portland Street, Worksop, with Mary's parents, John and Elizabeth Dixon (née Walton, m. 1888). William also served in the war and was killed in October 1917. He and his wife had had five children: Stanley, Hilda, Annie, William and Kathleen. Frank's parents were still living at 72 Potter Street when their sons were killed in October 1917. Annie Lawrence died in 1930 and her husband Isaac in 1934.
1st Bn Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Formerly 3792, Notts and Derby Regiment. According to a newspaper report of Frank's death, he had been medically evacuated to the UK in 1917 suffering from trench foot and had only fairly recently returned to France when he was killed in action on 12 October 1917. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium (Panel 23 to 28).
Frank's brother, William Lawrence, 10191 Private 24th Bn Northumberland Fusiliers, was killed in action on 22 October 1917 and is also commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. (See record on this Roll of Honour) CWGC additional information:- 'Son of Isaac and Annie Lawrence, of 72, Potter St., Worksop, Notts.' Worksop Guardian,9 November 1917: 'Pte. Frank Lawrence. Yesterday Mr. and Mrs. Izaac Lawrence, of 72, Potter Street, Worksop, received the sad news that their son Pte. Frank Lawrence, of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, has been killed in action. As yet, no details are to hand. Private Lawrence was invalided home from France a few months ago suffering with trench feet, and on recovery was again sent out. He took part in the Irish Rebellion, and prior to joining the Forces he was employed at Manton Colliery. Much sympathy is expressed with his parents in their sorrow.' WW1 Pension Ledgers: named his parents, Isaac and Annie Lawrence. Research by Colin Dannatt
