Frank Brooks Gill
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Frank Brooks Gill was the seventh and youngest child of Henry and Leah Amelia Gill. He was born in April 1896 and baptised at St Mary's Church, Handsworth, Staffordshire, on 5 August 1896. In 1901, Henry, an engraver (jewellers), and Leah were living at 81 Crompton Road, Handsworth. They had seven children all of whom were in the household at the time of the census; Lily (26), Leah (24), Emilie (22), Florence (20), Hilda (17), Harry B. (14) and Frank Brookes (4). Henry and Leah were still living at the same address ten years later in 1911; three of their seven children were in the house; a married daughter, Lily Cattell (36), and Hilda and Frank. Their granddaughter, Norah Leah Cattell (8), was also in the house.The probate record gave Frank's address as 8 George Street, Lozells, Birmingham.
6th Bn (TF) Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment. Frank previously served in the 1/8th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (lance corporal). He was gazetted second lieutenant in the Duke of Wellington's with seniority 16 April 1916.He was killed on 3 September 1916 when a shell burst over his dugout on 'Paisley Avenue', crushing him to death; several others were either killed or badly wounded.Frank was buried initially in an isolated cemetery known as 'Paisley Avenue' but his body was later exhumed and reinterred in Lonsdale Cemetery, France (grave ref. VIII. E. 4).
Frank is also commemorated on: Holy Trinity Church WW1 & WW2 Memorial, Trinity Road, Birchfield, West Midlands (WMR 51943)London Gazette 26 April 1916: 'Lance-Corpl Frank Brooks Gill, from Notts and Derby Regt., to be 2nd Lt. 16th April 1916.'Birmingham Daily Post, 9 September 1916: ‘Second Lieut, FB Gill Killed. Second Lieutenant Frank Brooks Gill, Duke of Wellington’s Own West Riding Regiment, killed in action, was the youngest son of Mr and Mrs Henry Gill, 8 George Street, Loxells, Birmingham (late of Crompton Road, Handsworth). Second Lieutenant Gill enlisted as a private in August 1914, and received his commission in April, 1916. He was educated at Holy Trinity, Birchfield, and Kelham College, Newark-on-Trent, where he was studying for the Church. He also did a good deal of work in connection with Holy Trinity Church. He was wounded by shrapnel in the shoulder early in July, but was able to return to his regiment a few weeks after. His commanding officer states in a letter to Second Lieutenant Gill’s parents: ‘I regret to inform you of the death of your son. He was an efficient, hard working, and cheerful officer, and we valued his services very much. A shell burst over his dug-out, crushing him to death.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)A history of the 1/8th Battalion Sherwood Foresters lists Lance Corporal FB Gill in the roll of honour of 'other ranks who were killed or died of wounds after being granted commissions in other units.' ‘Guiseley Terriers: A Small Part in the Great War. A History of the 1/6th Bn Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment' author Stephen Barber.: ‘On the same day, another German shell hit a dugout on Paisley Ave and killed Second Lieutenant Frank B Gill (19) from Birmingham … Second Lieutement Frank Brooks Gill had been commissioned from the 1/8th Sherwood Foresters Regiment in April 1916’ (Google books)Probate 30 September 1916: 'Gill Frank Brooks of 8 George-street Lozells Birmingham second lieutenant 6th battalion West Riding regiment (TF) died 3 September 1916 in action in France Administration (with Will) Birmingham 30 November to Henry Gill engraver [father]. Effects £47.'For additional family information see: www.aksplough.co.uk
