Francis William (Frank) Straw
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
James William Straw and Jane Sargent married in 1899 in Nottingham. James was a laundry manager with premises at Leyton Avenue, Mansfield. His employees included his mother and two unmarried sisters. In Dec 1899, Francis William Straw was born, in Mansfield. Rather tragically, before Francis (or Frank as he was later known as) was a year old, his mother died at the young age of 25. In 1903, James re-married in Mansfield to Edith Verna Noble and on the 30th April 1911, they had a daughter. At this time, James and wife was still living in Leyton Ave and also employed a house keeper and a nurse. Francis was now 10 years old and was living at 31 Burns Street, Mansfield with his two aunts who appear to be in charge of a laundry. Reports showing James as being the proprietor of a laundry in Worksop and living at 38 Sherwood Road, means the family moved to Worksop sometime after 1911.
Pte Frank Straw Worksop Guardian 1 November 1918 Another soldier reported killed – though the news has not been officially confirmed is Pte Frank Straw, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Straw, 38 Sherwood Road. Mr Straw is proprietor of the Royal Laundry. The news is contained in a letter from Corpl H Caudray, Lancashire Fusiliers, in which regiment the boy was. Corpl Caudray says that Frank was killed about 3.30 am on Oct 23rd. “He was quite close to me at the time he fell and his death was without pain. He was killed by shell fire. Your laddie was in my section and I can truthfully write of his sterling qualities, most especially of those being a perfect gentleman and being very obedient. His death must cause an irreplaceable gap in your home. I am with you in your sorrow, and what is far more, God is with you.” Pte Straw was 19 on September 8th last and was drafted to France in April of this year. He was a fine, smart lad and a favourite with those who knew him. He was educated at Mr Mallory’s commercial School at Mansfield, and Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Mansfield. He was a patrol leader of YMCA troop of Boy Scouts and though he was young in years he was a brave and gallant lad. We are very sure Mr and Mrs Straw will have the sympathy of our readers in their great trouble.
CWG additional information:- Son of James William Straw, of 38, Sherwood Rd., Worksop, Notts. Formerly 96100, Notts and Derby Regt. Buried at Quievy Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Research by Colin Dannatt
No Photos