William Henry Froggett
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
William was born in 1892 in Stapleford, he was the son of William a railway platelayer and Eliza Froggett. of 157 station Road, Ilkeston. William and Eliza had 7 children , Mary - John - William - Charlotte - Joseph - George - Ellee Ann and Ernest. In the 1901 census - the family are living at Bissell Lane Stapleford and by the 1911 census at 157 Station Road, Ilkeston , William has left home and has joined the army , he is at , Crownhill Fort Devon - with 2nd battalion Sherwood Foresters - and is shown as William Henry Froggett, 19, Private, single, Stapleford Nottingham He married his wife Annie Georgina Bates on 28th April 1915 at Long Eaton and went on to have a daughter Lilian Alice Froggett born 24th January 1916 whom he never saw. Following his death his widow was living with Mrs Butler , 11 Wellington Street Stapleford; On 15th February 1916 his effects were sent to his widow who was now living at The Plough Inn, Sandiacre. In letter sent to her dated 28th April 1916 from the war office she was notified that she would receive a weekly pension of 15 shillings and 6 pence a week commencing 1st May 1916. His army form AF W5080 dated 26 April 1916, gives - Widow - Annie G Giles of 17 Town St, Sandiacre Derbyshire and his child - Lilian Alice Froggett born January 24th 1916;
William Henry Froggett, enlisted on 15 September 1910, into the Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby Regiment). He was 18 years and 9 months, and a coal miner. He was posted to the 2nd Battalion based in Devon and remained with them until 17 October 1912. William was then posted to India and the 1st Battalion. On 19 January 1913 he had an accident and fractured his 7th rib, although he recovered well. He returned to England with the battalion on the outbreak of was, arriving on 3 October 1914. The battalion refitted and took on reservists to get it up to war strength before moving to France on 4 November 1914. On 30 November 1914, William was admitted to No 2 Stationary Hospital Boulogne. He was sent to England on the SS Carisbrooke Castle, arriving on 5 December and remained in England until 16 February 1915. On 18 March he was once again in England and probably picked up a wound during the Battle of Neuve Chapelle. On 18 May 1915 he embarked for France and the battalion. On 7 July 1915, William was appointed unpaid Lance Corporal. and on 29 September promoted to Corporal. Two weeks later William was killed in action. Only two men died that day and they are buried next to each other. The war diary states merely "11th October 1915 - No 2 Section ( near Bois Grenier) Weather fine. Brigadier visited the trenches. Mining operations being carried on in the right of our line in the neighbourhood of the crater of the mine exploded by the Germans about a month ago"
Rue-Petillon Military Cemetery Fleurbaix. I.B.32. 21193 Pte Arthur Geeves also a Notts man and killed the same day, lies in next grave I.B.31; He has two medal index cards; Soldiers Died in the Great War - Froggett W H, born Stapleford, enlisted Nottingham, abode Stapleford Nottingham; 11449, Cpl, killed in action, France and Flanders, 11/10/15;
