METSON, Frank Arthur


No.271543, Private, Frank Arthur METSON
Aged 23


1st Battalion, Hertfordshire Regiment
Killed in Action on Saturday, 25th March 1918


Frank Arthur Metson was born in Birdbrook (Risbridge Q3-1895 4A:749) son of Harry George and Sarah METSON (née AMEY). They can at times be found as MITSON.

1901 census...Aged 5,he was at Coppins Farm Cottage, Birdbrook with his father Henry METSON [31] horsekeeper born Finchingfield; his mother Sarah [34] and brother Leonard [2]. All except his father were born in Birdbrook.

1911 census...Aged 15, a farm labourer, he was at Chimney Lane, Ridgewell with his parents, brothers Leonard and Bertie Harry [7]; sisters Annie Gertrude [9] born Stanbourne and Rhoda Ellen [2] born Ridgewell.


He enlisted in Colchester.
The battalion was heavily involved in the Battle for St. Quentin, supporting the 16th (Irish) Division in the opening days of the German Spring Offensive (started 21st March). The Division was badly mauled but on the 25th March Arthur's was the only death incurred by the battalion.
On 25th they marched from MARICOURT to INSUANE. The march was continued after breakfast, across the Somme at CAPPY to CHUIGNOLLES where the battalion re-organised and spent the night.

from www.birdbrook.net came the following:
Ruridecanal Magazine June 1918 'We are sorry to hear that Frank Metson is missing; we hope that news of him will soon come to hand, and that he is alive and well after all. Meanwhile we offer his parents our very sincere sympathy in this trying and anxious time.'

Ruridecanal Magazine October 1918 'Great sympathy is felt with Mr. and Mrs. Harry Metson in the loss of their son Frank. He was reported missing on March 25th, an official intimation has now been received from the War Office that he was killed on that day.'

Frank Arthur Metson was the eldest son of Harry George and Sarah Metson of Finkle Green. He was killed on the Somme battlefield on 25th March, 1918 aged 23 years.

Picture and information from Steve Metson


photo: Steve Metson





His memorial stall in Birdbrook church




photo: Roy Beardsworth



Frank Metson is commemorated on the Pozières Memorial, panel 89 and 90
He is also commemorated in the Congregational Church in Stambourne

click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details


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