Frederick John Olphert
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Frederick John Olphert was born on 5th October 1874 at Gosport, Portsmouth, and was the son of Robert and Lucy Olphert née Kelly of Stoke Damerel, Devon. His father predeceased him.His father was born in 1851 in Ireland and died on 13th May 1879 at Gibralter; he was 28 yrs of age. His mother Lucy Kelly was born in 1847 at Devonport. They were married in 1866 at Stoke Damerel, Devon, and went on to have the following children, Edith Blanche b1868 Chatham, Florence Lucy b1871 Aldershot, Ernest Robert b1874 Devonport , Frederick John b1875 Portsmouth, Beatrice Ella b1876 Bermuda and Maud b1879 Bermuda. Frederick John married Alice Charlotte Leonora Wiltshire in 1916 at Bath and lived at 49, Newbridge Road, Bath (CWGC). Probate was proven on 14th September 1918 in London. It shows him as Frederick John Olphert of 49 Newbridge Road, Bath, Captain R.E. died on 19th May 1918 in France. Administration of his effects of £423 pounds and 16 pence was awarded to Sidney George Grant Captain H.M. Army and Kat Mattick (wife of William Graddock Mattick).
Lieutenant Frederick John Olphert originally joined the Royal Engineers aged 14 years on 5th October 1888 at Dublin. He was a bugler, but having attained 18 yrs of age on 5th October 1892 was posted as a sapper. He had seen service in South Africa and been awarded a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Frederick left the Army on 4th October 1913 having completed 25 years service. Following the outbreak of war, he enlisted again at Reading on 17th November 1914. He was aged 40 years and gave his occupation as that of a engine driver; his address was c/o Mrs Salmon Plenlyn, Devizes, Wiltshire. He was promoted the following day to Company Sergeant Major and posted to the Royal Engineers. Frederick landed in France on 30th August 1915 and was discharged on 8th April 1916 when he gained a commission and held the rank of lieutenant at his death. He served with the 904th Area Employment Company Royal Engineers. Frederick died of wounds (gunshot wound to the chest) in hospital at Etaples on 19th May 1918 following treatment at Abancourt Stationary Hospital. He is buried at Blargies Communal Cemetery Extension, Oise, France.
CWGC headstone personal inscription: In sacred memory of my beloved husband faithful unto death' Details from the local press following his death :- “Son of Robert & Lucy Olphert. Husband of Alice Charlotte Leonora Olphert, 49 Newbridge Rd., Bath. Attested as a sapper on 17th Nov. 1914, had previously served in the Royal Engineers and awarded Long Service & Good Conduct medal. 40 years of age and occupation of railway engine driver. Resided at Devizes on enlistment and his next-of-kin was his sister, Beatrice Olphert of Talfourd Avenue, Reading. Went to France on the 28th August 1915. Commissioned as a Temporary 2nd/Lt on 9th April 1916. Treated at Abancourt Stationary Hospital for a gunshot wound to the chest, but died in hospital at Etaples. "
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