Frederick Wilson

Fred enlisted at in the Sherwood Foresters at Retford on the 18th April 1917when he was 20 years old. He was only a slip of a lad, as his medical record shows that he was only 5’ 8” tall and of a small frame weighing less than 8 stone. Nevertheless, he was passed as fit and commenced his training. It was January of 1918 that he arrived at Etaples, France and was given a new service number and transferred to the 6th Battalion of the East Yorkshire Regiment. Fred had been in France just under a year when on the 4th April 1918 he was wounded and died of his wounds the next day, six days before the end of hostilities.

Article published in the Worksop Guardian dated 22 November 1918 :- Pte Fred Wilson Mr Geo. Wilson, of the firm of Messrs Wilson Bros., coal merchants, (Ranskill), has received information that his older son, Pte Fred Wilson, was killed in action somewhere in France a few days before the Armistice was signed. Pte Wilson was 21 years of age and had been in France about 9 months. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved family. Ranskill memorial book details:- Frederick Wilson No’s 29833 & 84430 – joined 18 April 1917 – wounded 4 Nov 1918 – died 5 Nov 1918 – buried Curies, France – 6th East Yorkshire Regt. CWG additional information:- Son of George and May Wilson, of Blyth Rd., Ranskill, Doncaster Commemorated in Ranskill Church WW1 record book and Window 2. Research by Colin Dannatt