Frank Ernest Pell
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Frank Ernest was the youngest son of John and Elizabeth Pell (née Jones). His father John was born in Sneinton, Nottingham, in 1865 and his mother Elizabeth was born in Nottingham in 1864. They were married at Radford Christ Church in March 1891 and had three children, the youngest of whom died in infancy: John Frederick William b. Woolwich London 1895 bap. Sneinton St Philip 4 August 1895; Frank Ernest b. Nottingham 1897 bap. St Philip 10 October 1897 and Grace Elizabeth b. 1906 d. 1906. At the time of the 1891 Census, shortly after their marriage, John, a crane driver, and Elizabeth were living at 12 Burwash Road, Plumstead, Kent. Their first child, John Frederick, was born in London four years later, but the family was still living on Burwash Road, Plumstead, when John jnr. was baptised in Nottingham in August 1895. However, the family had returned to Nottingham by the time of Frank's birth in 1897 and in 1901 they were living at 199 Alfreton Road where John had a newsagent's business. This was still the family home in 1911 by which time John snr. was assisted in the business by his wife and eldest son John. Frank was still at school. John and Elizabeth continued to live at 199 Alfreton Road until after the war but by the time of John's death in December 1927 they had moved to 26 Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham. Elizabeth was still living at 26 Gregory Boulevard in 1939 when the England & Wales Register was compiled; also in the home was her widowed sister, Louisa Stokes. Elizabeth died in 1945.
15th Bn Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby Regiment) A few pages of Frank's army service record survive. He was 19 years 1 month old when he enlisted on 28 April 1915. He was posted the same day and embarked for France the following year on 1 February. Frank was reported missing on 18 July 1916 and was assumed to have been killed in action by German shellfire while serving in the trenches south-east of Trones Wood. His death was not confirmed until April 1917. Frank has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France. He qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
His brother, John Frederick William Pell, served with the 14th (London & Scottish) Bn London Regiment (517456 Private) and was killed in action on 31 August 1918. John is buried in HAC Cemetery, Ecoust-St. Mein, France. (See record on this Roll of Honour) All Saints Church magazine, July 1917, War Obituaries: 'Frank Pell: reported missing July 1916, reported killed in action April 1917. Regularly attended All Saints Sunday School, Staff Sergeant on our Company of the Boys Brigade [10th Nottingham BB]. Confirmed 1913.' Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 28 & 30 April 1917: ‘Pell. Missing July 20th, now reported killed in action, Frank Pell, Sherwood Foresters, age 18 years, the beloved son of John Pell, 199, Alfreton-road. From his mother, father, and brother.’ (www.britishnewsarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 20 July 1918. ‘Pell. In loving memory of our dear son, Pte Frank Pell, Sherwood Foresters (Bantams), killed in action July 20th, 1916. From father. Mother & brother John (in France).’ www.britishnewsarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Deaths’, 9 December 1927: ‘Pell. December 9th, at 26 Gregory-boulevard, John, beloved husband of Elizabeth, aged 62 years (late 199 Alfreton-road), 18 years Nottingham Board of Guardians. Interment Church Cemetery, Monday 3pm.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, 10 December 1927: ‘The death has taken place at 26, Gregory-boulevard, Nottingham, of Mr John Pell, Sixty-two years of age, he had been a member of the Nottingham Board of Guardians for 19 years. He was returned as a Liberal for Wollaton Ward in 1907, but on seeking re-election in April, 1925, he was defeated.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, 13 December 1927: ‘The funeral took place at the Church Cemetery, Nottingham, yesterday of the late Mr John Pell, of 26, Gregory-boulevard, Nottingham, who was a member of the Nottingham Board of Guardians for about 18 years.’ www.britishnewsarchive.co.uk) Probate: Pell John of 26 Gregory Boulevard Nottingham died 9 December 1927 Probate Nottingham 23 March to Elizabeth Pell widow and Arthur Edward Powell builder. Effects £4507 15s. 10d. Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Deaths’, 4 January 1945: ‘Pell. January 2nd, Elizabeth, widow of the late John Pell, died, aged 82 years, also sister of Louisa and Emily. Cremation Wilford Hill, Friday, 12 noon. No flowers by request.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
