PEARSON, Frank Edward


No.7787, Private, Frank Edward PEARSON
Aged 24


"C" Company, 1st Battalion, Suffolk Regiment
Killed in Action on 18th February 1915


Frank Edward Pearson was born in Wickhambrook (2nd qtr 1891 Risbridge 4a:730) son of Thomas and Mary PEARSON (née MURKIN)

1901 census...Aged 10 he was at the Grove, Wickhambrook Road, Hargrave, with his father Thomas PEARSON [47] farm labourer; his mother Mary Ann [37]; brothers George [12], Albert[9] John [7] and Charles [3]. John and Charles were born in Hargrave, the rest were all born in Wickhambrook.

1911 census...Aged 21 he was with the 1st Battalion, Suffolk Regiment in Egypt. His number suggests he enlisted in 1909. His parents and 6 of his seven brothers were still in Hargrave.

On the pension card his mother was at The Cock's Head, Hargrave.



He enlisted in Bury St.Edmunds
With appalling weather conditions and a virtually untenable position, several attempts were made to take "O" Trench. All failed and "C" Company in particular suffered heavily, almost all being killed or captured. Standing knee deep in icy water for 48 hours did no favours either. At the end of this episode the battalion casualties were:- 4 officers and 19 OR killed; 4 officers 55 OR wounded. In addition 3 officers and 171 OR were missing. Many of the latter were subsequently presumed dead.





Frank Pearson is commemorated on the Menin Gate, Ypres panel 21

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


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