Fred Kelk
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
William Kelk and Annie Kenyon were both natives of Worksop and married there in 1889, being residents at 27 Langley Street and William working as a general labourer. In 1891 they had a daughter who they named Lizzie. Five years later, in 1894 they had their first son, Fred, followed in 1894 with another son, Albert in 1898, both born in Worksop. Little did the couple know at this time that they were going to lose both of these sons in the war. In 1901, William had secured a job as a horseman working on the local Worksop estate of Osberton and living there at Western Cottages, Osberton Grange. Ten years later, 1911, the family were still living in the Osberton Grange Cottage, with the addition of William’s widower father, Thomas, and two boarders. By now, 17 year old Fred was working as a farm labourer and 15 year old, Albert was still at school.
Pte Fred Kelk Worksop Guardian 27 September 1918 The death occurred ain hospital at Didsbury, near Manchester on Friday of Pte Fred Kelk, R.F.A. son of Mr and Mrs Kelk, Hannah Park Farm, Sparken Hill, Worksop, the news being received in the town, where the deceased was well known, with great regret. Ever sympathy is expressed with the bereaved parents. He was wounded in France on Sept 2nd and bought to England, where he passed away as stated, the immediate cause of death being pneumonia. This is the second time he had been wounded, the first occasion being at Salonica, where he first went after joining up on March 24th 1916. He was 24 years of age and in civil life was a trusted employee of Mr W Raines, by whom deceased’s father is also employed. The body was removed to Worksop for burial and the interment took place on Wednesday, with full military honours. The body was conveyed on a gun carriage, the coffin being covered with the Union Jack. Buglers and a firing party was in attendance, and the Chaplain at Carburton Camp officiated.
CWG additional information:- Son of William Kelk, of 16, Canal Rd., Worksop, and the late Annie Kelk. Buried in Worksop (Retford Road) Cemetery. Research by Colin Dannatt
