Frank Henry Clay
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Born 1870 at Winchester in Hampshire he had five siblings and was the eldest son of Philip Isaac and Annie Clay. His father Philip had served with the Kings Royal Rifle Corps, and had travelled as the birthplaces of the children ranged from Gibraltar to the Isle of Wight. Frank married Emily Mary Alner in 1896 at Gosport. In 1901 Emily was living with her father in law Philip and Franks siblings at Kent Road in Carlton. In 1899 the couple had one son, Philip, and when Frank left the army he stated that they would be living at 2 Lindin Villas, Hickling Rd, Mapperley Gardens, Nottingham. In 1911 they were living at 47 Gedling Road, Carlton. Frank was a Postman The family had moved to Ranmoor Road, Carlton by 1915.
Frank joined the Kings Royal Rifle Corps, his fathers old regiment, on 15 August 1884 at Winchester aged just 14. He did well as by 6 Jun 1889 he was appointed Lance Corporal, then Corporal on 6 May 1892. He continued to rise through the ranks being appointed Lance Sergeant 1 Oct 1896, then Sergeant 15 Dec 1896 and finally Colour Sergeant 16 May 1903. He finally left the regiment 14 August 1908 after 24 years of service. During his time with the regiment Frank served both at home and overseas. he was in Cyprus 1885-86, Gibraltar 1886-1891, South Africa 1899-1903 and Bermuda 1904-05. Whilst in South Africa he took part in the Boer War and received both the Queens South Africa medal with several clasps including the Relief of Ladysmith, and the Kings South Africa medal with clasps. In 1901 he was mentioned in despatches and received the DCM, the London Gazette of 8 Feb 1901 stating "for Conspicuous coolness and valour on the 20th and 24th January and 22nd February. Frank re enlisted when war broke out and was sent to France 19 May 1915. Killed in action he was buried in Ypres Town Cemetery extension, Belgium. He was eligible for the 1915 Star, British and Victory medals
In memoriam published 6th July 1916 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “CLAY. – To the dear memory of a brave and gallant rifleman, Co.-Sergt.-Major F. Clay, D.C.M., late of 3rd and 7th K.R.R., killed in action, Ypres, July 8th, 1915; service, 25 years; aged 45 (pensioner). – Wife and son.” Above in memoriam is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918
