Frank Sturdy
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
He was born about 1897, the elder of Frank and Annie Mary Sturdy's two children. In 1901 he and his younger brother, Harry, were living with their parents at 1 Central Street, St Ann's. Ten years later the family was living at 26 Plantagenet Street, St Ann's, and the household included a boarder, Edward Amos Marrin (25). At the time Frank enlisted in 1915 the family home was at 13 Frederick Terrace, Southampton Street, Nottingham. His brother, Private Harry Sturdy, West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales' Own), died of pneumonia age 20 in Clipstone Military Hospital, Nottinghamshire, on 23 November 1919 and was buried in Nottingham General Cemetery.
Army service record survives (badly damaged). Frank attested in the Territorial Force on 17 April 1915 when he was 19 years old. He served at home from 17 April 1915 to 28 March 1916 (Imperial Service Line Depot Battn, Sherwood Foresters). He arrived in France on 29 March 1916 and joined his battalion in the field on 2 April 1916. He was killed two months later and was buried in Bienvillers Military Cemetery 12 miles north of Albert (grave ref V.A.4).
Personal inscription on CWGC headstone: 'Till we meet again' Nottingham Evening Post, Roll of Honour (abridged), 15 July 1916. 'Sturdy, killed in action June 28th 1916, Frank Sturdy, signalling section Sherwood Foresters, age 20 years, 13 Frederick Terrace. Mother, father, brother.' Frank's personal effects which were returned to his parents included letters, 2 cigarette cases, knife, testament, large key, three small keys, coin, wrist watch, safety razor, prayer book, pocket wallet, photos, picture postcards. His parents received his medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal) in February 1922. Inscription on family gravestone, Nottingham General Cemetery: 'In loving memory of Harry Sturdy who died November 23rd 1919, aged 20 years. Also of Frank Sturdy, brother of the above, killed in France June 28th 1916, aged 20 years. Till we meet again. Mary Jane Sturdy' (remainder of inscription obliterated by earth)
