Archibald Evans Froggatt

Private Archibald Evans Froggatt enlisted on 5th August 1915 at Newark, Nottinghamshire. He served in France from 4th March 1916 and died of wounds received in action on 24th June 1916, age 19, whilst serving in the line at Foncquevillers, France. He is buried in Foncquevillers Military Cemetery, France (Plot 1. Row F. Grave 28). Archibald was buried the same day that he died, probably in this cemetery. CWGC - Foncquevillers Military Cemetery (extract): 'In 1915 and 1916 the Allied front line ran between Foncquevillers and Gommecourt. The cemetery was begun by French troops, and taken over by Commonwealth forces. It remained in use by units and field ambulances until March 1917 ... The cemetery was used again from March to August 1918, when the German offensive brought the front line back to nearly the old position. Seventy-four graves were brought in after the Armistice from the battlefields of 1916 and 1918 to the east of the village.'

Research by Colin Dannatt CWGC headstone personal inscription: 'In loving memory of our dear son he nobly answered Britain's call' Pte A Froggatt Worksop Guardian 7 July 1916 'It is our duty this week- a duty of deep regret yet mingled with pride - to add the name of another of Worksop’s sons to the now long list of gallant soldiers, who have laid down their lives for the welfare and, indeed, the very existence of their Country. The young soldier is Pte. Archie Froggatt, 8th Notts and Derby Regiment (S.F.), eldest son of Mr and Mrs E Froggatt, of 12 Watson Road. He was well known and respected by a large circle of friends in Worksop, and they will hear of his death with heartfelt sorrow. Much sympathy will be extended to the other members of his family, but they will doubtless find consolation in the fact that he fought and fell for a righteous cause, and that was a Glorious death. Pte. Froggatt, joined the Sherwood’s on August 4th last, and in February this year was drafted to France. In the trenches he fought beside his comrades with all the grit and determination which characterised the boys of the bull dog breed. In his letter home Pte. Froggatt often wrote of the times of comparative peace which reigned between times in the fighting, when he said he could hear the birds singing and forgot for a moment the awe and turmoil of the war. The first intimation of the distressing news reached the deceased parents through the kindness of Lance–Corpl. Painter, another Worksop boy at the Front who wrote, “Dear Mr and Mrs Froggatt, - it is with deepest sorrow, that I have to write and inform you of the death of your son Archie. He died about 2.30 this morning (June 23rd) and passed peacefully away about five or six minutes after he had been hit. He never spoke and was quite unconscious all the while. I expect he will be buried this afternoon or tonight in the Military Cemetery in the village near here; I cannot tell you the name of the place, or I would do so. The entire Platoon join with me in offering you our deepest sympathy in your great loss… Yours sincerely, Lance Corpl. Painter.” 'Such news could hardly be disputed, but living in hope, Pte. Froggatt’s relatives looked forward to better information as official notification did not seem to be forthcoming, under date of June 26th, however, the Chaplain of the 1-8 Sherwood Foresters wrote, “Dear Mrs Froggatt - it is with very sincere and deep regret that I write to prepare you for a very heavy blow - may God soften the blow for you, your son Pte. Froggatt was very severely wounded on the morning of the 23rd inst. and died in a few moments. I wish to tell you before the official notice comes. He was buried that same day as the shadows were falling, and a cross bearing his name has already been placed on the Grave. He sleeps with his comrades who also have passed beyond the veil, in the British Cemetery. The Colonel has asked me to say how deeply and sincerely he mourns for you in the loss of your dear son.” 'Pte Froggatt was a pupil at the Old Abbey Boys School, for a long time he was employed as assistant to Mr F G Warburton Solicitor, and later on the office staff of Messrs Smith Brothers Albion Mills.'