Frederick John Ward
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
John and Mary Ward had eight children. The first one, Thomas was born in Yorkshire. In 1891, the family additionally consisted of Samuel born 1883, Margaret in 1885, Ernest born 1888 and Albert born 1890 all born in Worksop and living at 161 Gateford Road where John Ward was working as a rural postman. Another three children were to come in the next 10 years, Frederick John in 1892, Herbert 1895 and Sidney born in 1898. Within a few months of this last birth, John Ward died age 52. In 1911, Mary had five of her sons still living in the family home which was now 47 Portland Street, Worksop, and of the six sons who enlisted, Frederick John, Samuel and Herbert were the three who did not return.
Pte Frederick John Ward Worksop Guardian 25 May 1917 Mrs Ward, 47 Portland Street, Worksop, widow of the late Mr John Ward, postman, has the proud distinction of having six sons serving their country in the Great War. It may be more correct to say, ”had,” inasmuch as news has been received that one son, Pte Frederick John Ward of the MT, ASC is reported missing, believed drowned on May 5th. He was 26 years of age and enlisted on Sept. 22nd 1916 and was on his way to Egypt when, apparently, the transport got into difficulties. So far no details are known, and Mrs Ward will have the sympathy of our readers in her suspense. We hope to reproduce a photograph of the missing soldier in our next issue. Mrs Ward’s other sons serving are:- Pte Sam Ward, 5th Northumberland Fusiliers; Pte Ernest Ward, R.A.M.C.; Gunner Albert Ward, R.G.A.; Pte Herbert Ward, 2/8th Sherwood For. Signal section; and Pioneer Sydney Ward, R.F. This is a splendid family record. Pte. F. J. Ward Worksop Guardian 15 June 1917 Definite official news has this week been received of the death of Pte. Frederick John Ward, of the M.T, A.S.C, whom we reported missing, believed drowned, in our issue of May 30th Last. His mother, Mrs, Ward, of 47, Portland Street, Worksop, has received notice from the Army Council that they are regretfully constrained that he is dead, and the death took place on May 5th. The sympathy of the Army Council is tendered to the mother in her loss. The first news that he was missing came from the Royal Dockyard , Woolwich, on May 14th, and there is no doubt the ship in which he was proceeding to Egypt was torpedoed or mined. Pte. Ward was 26 years of age, and previous to enlistment in March, 1916, was employed by his brother Mr. Tom Ward, baker. His experience as a motor driver for his brother got him into Motor Transport, A.S.C., but he was in England up to going on what proved to be his last voyage to Egypt. His mother received a letter from him dated April 29th, posted in Gibraltar, saying what a splendid voyage he had had, and they expected to see land on the morrow. The food he said, they got on board was very good; except the tea, which was green, and some of the men could not drink it. With being on the sea it made them feel sea sick, though it had not affected him. They had been at sea eight days, and had seen many porpoises. Mrs. Ward, who is a widow of the late Mr. John Ward, so well known in the old days as a postman, had six out of seven sons serving, with the deceased. One is in East Africa in the R.A.M.C. another is in India in the R.G.A., and two in France, one a signaller in the 5th Northumberland Fusiliers. An excellent record and one that Mrs. Ward, who has brought a family of eight up, may well be proud. She has the sympathy of a large circle of friends in her bereavement.
Commemorated Doiran Memorial, Greece. Research by Colin Dannatt
