Frank Wallace
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Frank Wallace was born in 1895 he was the son of William a coal miner hewer and Mary Wallace née Scott and the brother of Emma, William, Frank, Charles, Leonard, Edwin, Fred, Nellie, Mary and Edith Wallace. William was born in 1870 at Ruddington, Mary Scott was born in 1868 at Sutton in Ashfield, they were married in 1889 their marriage was recorded in the Mansfield Registration district, they went on to have 13 children, sadly two died in infancy or early childhood, In 1911 the family lived at 51 Sherwood Road Sutton in Ashfield William 47 yrs is a coal miner hewer, he is living with his wife Mary 43 yrs and their 11 children, Frank 16 yrs is a pit pony driver, Thomas 14 yrs is also a pit pony driver.The son of William and Mary Wallace, he was one of thirteen children having seven brothers (Harold, William, Thomas, Charles, Leonard, Edwin and Fred) and five sisters (Annie, Emma, Nellie, Mary and Edith). In 1911 they lived on Sherwood Road Sutton in Ashfield.
Frank enlisted in Sutton in Ashfield, He entered the Theatre of War (France) on 29th August 1915, and was killed in action on 19th August 1916, when both of his arms were blown off by an exploding shell and subsequently died of his injuries. He was buried in the La Neuville British Cemetery, Corbie, Somme, France. He was awarded the 1914/5 Star, and the British War and Victory Medals. His brother Tom was also killed in action on 16th August 1918 just three days prior to him.
The following report with photograph appeared in the Notts Free Press on 1st September 1916. PRIVATE F.WALLACE, SUTTON Mr and Mrs Wallace, 51 Sherwood-Road, Kirkby-Road, Sutton, have received intimation to the effect that one of their four sons in the army – Private Frank Wallace – was killed in action on August 19th. He was 21 years of age, and enlisted in the Sherwood Foresters in January 1915, prior to which he worked at the Bentink Colliery. Three of the brothers; - Privates Frank, Harold and William enlisted in the same Battalion. Harold has been wounded and is in the Lincoln Hospital and William is still at the front. The other son Thomas is ill in hospital in Louth. Mr and Mrs Wallace have received the following letters:- ‘’Your son, Private Wallace, 22221, Notts and Derby, was admitted to hospital yesterday suffering from wounds to both arms. He was very ill and gradually got worse. I regret to say he passed away at 10.40 last night. He did not speak of anyone or leave any message. He will be buried in the cemetery attached to the hospital.’’ ‘’Your son, Private Wallace, of the 12th Notts and Derbys is now in hospital on account of wounds. When I saw him this morning he was very weak, but he was bearing a good heart and trusting in God. I prayed with him and promised to write to you. He sends his love. Needless to say, he is receiving every attention from a good surgeon and a kind nurse. He is not suffering much pain, and is quite conscious.’’ ‘’I regret to inform you that your son, Private Wallace, of the 12th Notts, died on the 19th and was buried in a little cemetery near by. The name of the place is La Neuvelle. A cross bearing his name, regiment and date of death will be erected on his grave and a record kept. I saw your son before he died and prayed with him. He was trusting in God and realised much of God’s presence. He died peacefully. Both arms had been blown off, but in spite of that he didn’t seem to suffer much. I hope that God will be near you and give you grace to carry your cross. Your cross is indeed heavy, but His grace is sufficient. If you would like a photo of the grave I can arrange for one. Please accept my deepest sympathy.’’ Additional information courtesy of Lynne Weston
