Frank Housley
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Frank Housley was born in 1896 at Rotherham and was the son of Samuel and Eva Housley née Miller. His father Samuel was the son of George and Elizabeth Housley and was born in 1866 in Alfreton, Derbyshire. His his mother Eva Miller was born in 1866 at Bolton, Lancashire. They were married in 1885; the marriage was recorded in the Salford Registration District. Samuel and Eva had 8 children, sadly one was to die in infancy. Their surviving children were, George William b1886 Salford, Eva b1887 Salford, Samuel b1894 Failsworth (J/F/M Prestwich), Frank b1896 Rotherham, Hilda b1898 Bootle (O/N/D West Derby Lancs), Albert b1901 Nottingham, and Florence May b1904 Nottingham. Samuel snr was living with his widowed mother, Elizabeth, at 24 King Street, Alfreton, in 1881; he was 14 years old and a billposter, an occupation in which he was to continue. In 1891 Samuel (24) and Eva (25) were living on Sisson Street, Failsworth, Prestwich, Lancashire, with their two children George (5) and Eva (3). Samuel and his wife had moved to Nottingham by 1901 and were living at 1 Grove Street with their children George (15) a billposter, Eva (13), Samuel (7), Frank (5) and Hilda (2). Albert was born later that year and Florence in 1905. Samuel snr. had died by 1911 when his widow was living at 34 Lambert Street with her eldest son George (25), a billposter, who was head of household. Also in the home on the night of the census were her other six surviving children: Eva 23 yrs a machinist, Samuel 17 yrs a billposter, Frank 15 yrs a card lacer in lace factory, Hilda 12 yrs, Albert 10 yrs and Florence May 6yrs. The family home may later have been at 45 Bateman Street, Hyson Green, Nottingham. Frank's mother, Eva, probably died in 1931 (J/F/M Nottingham) aqed about 65.
Formerly 3014 Army Cyclist Corps. Frank Housley enlisted at Nottingham. He died of wounds at No. 36 Casualty Clearing Station on 19th July 1916 and was buried in Heilly-Station Cemetery, Mericourt-L'Abbe, Somme (grave ref, II. D. 28).
CWGC grave, Heilly-Station Cemetery, three burials: Frank Housley, Pte H Bradley Northumberland Fusiliers (18 July 1916) and Pte Higginson Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Registers of Soldiers' Effects: His mother, Eva Housley, was his sole legatee. Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 22 July 1916: ‘Housley. Killed in action, July 18th, Corpl. Frank Housley, 34, Lambert-street, aged 20. A noble sacrifice. From his sorrowing mother, sisters, and brothers.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 22 July 1916: ‘Housley. Killed in action, July 18th, Corpl. Frank Housley, He died that we may live. From his sorrowing sister and brother, Constance and Sam.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Note: Samuel Housley jnr. married Constance A Arme in 1914 (J/A/S Nottingham). He served in the Machine Gun Corps (37238) and was discharged in 14 June 1919; he received a disability pension. Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 18 July 1917: ‘Housley. In affectionate remembrance of Corporal Frank Housley, who died of wounds received in action 18th July, 1916. Staff at 34, Upper Parliament-street’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
