Fred Paling
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Fred was the youngest son of Alfred Dixon Paling and Mary Maria Paling (nee Lowe) His father was born in Saxelby and his mother in Beeston. They were married in 1881 (J/F/M Basford) and had six children: David b. Widmerpool, Notts, 1882, Alice Maud b. Widmerpool, 1884, Arthur b. Widmerpool 1886, Alfred Dixon b. Mansfield 1889, George b. Mansfield 1892 and Fred b. Mansfield 1895 (O/N/D Mansfield). In 1891 Alfred Dixon (33), a railway signalman, and his wife Mary (32) were living at 34 Duke Street, Mansfield, with their four children; David (8), Alice (6), Arthur (5) and Alfred (1). By 1901 the family had moved to Nottingham and living at 136 Salisbury Street, Nottingham. Alfred senior was still working as a railway signalman and his eldest son David (18) was a railway porter although the census notes that he was out of work. However, a register of LNER employees in October 1939 records that David, now a passenger guard, began work with the company on 14 December 1908. Of Alfred and Mary's other children, Alice (16) was a dressmaker, Arthur (14) a button turner while the three youngest children Alfred (12), George (9) and Fred (5) were at school. By 1911, Alfred and Mary were living at 13 Fletcher Road, Beeston, with their children Arthur (25) a railway lampman, Alfred (21) a wood turner, George (18) a wood furnace labourer, and Fred (15) Also in the home on the night of the census was their married daughter Alice (m. Albert Rigley 1903). The eldest son, David, had married Ada Fisher in 1907 (reg. J/F/M) and in 1911 he and Ada (27 b. Radford) were living on Nottingham Road, Gotham, with their young son, Alfred (3). David was a railway porter. At the time of Fred's death in 1917 his parents were living at 11 Fletcher Road, Beeston. However, when the CWGC record was compiled they were living at 30 The City, Beeston. It appears from the notice of Fred's death in the local paper that he was either engaged or particularly attached to a girl called Nellie and that his brother George was also serving (France). His mother Mary Maria died on 29 August 1934 aged 76 years and his father Alfred Dixon on 16 November 1942 aged 85 years.
1st Bn Royal Scots Fusiliers Fred was killed in action on 26 September 1917. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial (Panel 60 to 61). He qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 18 October 1917: ‘Paling. Killed in action, September 26th, 1917, Private Fred Paling, Royal Scots Fusilieers, dearly-loved younger son son of Mr and Mrs Paling, 11, Fletcher-road, Beeston, aged 22. A light has from our household gone, as one we loved is still; a place is vacant in our hearts, which never can be filled. Christ will link the broken chains closer when we meet again. His sorrowing father, mothers, sisters, brothers, also brother George (in France) and broken–hearted Nellie.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Family grave and headstone, Beeston Cemetery: ‘In loving memory of Mary Maria beloved wife of Alfred Dixon Paling died Augst. 29th 1934 aged 76 years. Also Alfred Dixon beloved husband of the above called home Novr. 16th 1942 aged 85 years. To live is Christ to die is gain. Reunited. Also Fred beloved son of the above killed in action Sept. 26th 1917 aged 23 years. And Brian (grandson) died Sept. 14th 1934 aged 2 days.’ Forever with the Lord.’ Note: Brian Paling b. 1934 (J/A/S Basford), d. 1934 (September Basford). Probate: Paling Alfred Dixon of Belville 30 The City Beeston Nottinghamshire died 16 November 1942 at The General Hospital Nottingham Probate Nottingham 15 December to Alice Maud Longland (wife of Alfred Henry Longland). Effects £328 4s.
