Frank Hartwell
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Frank Hartwell was born in 1897 at Hucknall and was the son of William an engine stoker and Sarah Hartwell née Bennington of 34 Washdyke Lane Hucknall Torkard Nottinghamshire. His father William was born in 1872 at West Bromwich, his mother Sarah Ann Bennington was born in 1875 at Newstead, they were married in 1894, their marriage was recorded in the Basford Registration district, they went on to have the following children, William Edward b1895 Newstead, Frank b1897 Hucknall and Gladys b1902 at Hucknall. In the 1911 census the family are living at 34 Washdyke Lane Hucknall and are shown as William 39 yrs an engine stoker at pit, he was living with his wife Sarah 35 yrs and their children William Edward 16 yrs a pony driver at pit, Frank 14 yrs a butchers errand boy and Gladys 9 yrs a scholar.
Private Frank Hartwell, attested on 24th February 1916 at Hucknall, he gave his address as 34 Washdyke Lane, Hucknall and his age as 19 yrs and 2 months, he was a coal miner and his next of kin was his father William of the same address. Posted to the reserves he was mobilised for war on 7th June 1918 at Derby and served with 3rd Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire) Regiment. He died of influenza and heart failure at Sunderland War Hospital at 11pm on 12th July 1918 and is buried in Hucknall Cemetery.
Article published 25th July 1918 in the Hucknall Dispatch :- “SHORT MILITARY CAREER. “DEATH AND FUNERAL OF PTE. FRANK HARTWELL. “Another pathetic scene was witnessed at Hucknall last Wednesday, when Pte. Hartwell, after only a few weeks of military life, was laid to rest in the cemetery. His death at Sunderland was due to failure of the heart's action after an attack of influenza. He was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. William Hartwell, of 34, Washdyke lane, and worked at Linby Colliery. He was “combed” out of the pit, and, without entering an appeal, he set out to do his duty as a soldier on June 7, going to Sunderland to join the Sherwood Foresters in training there. A month later he was seized with influenza, and breathed his last on July 13, [sic] and was buried last Wednesday – exactly six weeks from entering the Army. When a telegram reached Hucknall, stating that he was dangerously ill, Mr. and Mrs. Hartwell and Miss Whyatt (his finance) travelled to Sunderland, but on their arrival he had passed away. “The deceased, who was 21 years of age, gave promise of a useful life, and by his excellent character and faithfulness to his employers, he was held in high esteem, which was clearly proved by the large attendance at the funeral, notwithstanding the showers. H was a former member of the Boys' Brigade, and well-liked everywhere. Being such a great favourite, Mr. and Mrs. Hartwell have received numerous messages of sympathy in their tragic bereavement, and to Miss Whyatt likewise feelings of regret have been expressed on all sides. “The funeral service in the Parish Church and at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. T. G. Barber, vicar, scarcely a dry eye being noticeable amongst the sympathisers who assembled to pay their last tributes of respect. The hymn, “Jesu, Lover of My Soul,” was sung and the service was deeply impressive. At the cemetery the Last Post was sounded, and a firing party from Derby gave the final salute for the departed. The bearers were men from the Hucknall Aerodrome.” Above article is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918
