No.R/44583, Rifleman, Frederick William FARRANT
Aged 18
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Frederick William FARRANT was born at 3 Nunns Yard,in Haverhill on 21st September 1899, (Risbridge Q4-1899 4A:805 ), baptised in St Mary's,
Haverhill on 2nd December 1899, son of George and Sarah FARRANT (née POOLE). 1901 census...Aged 1, he was at 3 Nunn's Yard, Camps Road, Haverhill with his father George FARRANT [36] builder's labourer; his mother Sarah [29] kit bag machinist born Stepney; sisters Kate [12], May E. [8] and Alice M. [3]. All except his mother were born in Haverhill. 1911 census...Aged 11, he was at 4 Crowland Yard, Haverhill with his parents (father now builder's horsekeeper); sisters Alice, Elsie [5] and Florie [2]; brother Albert [9]. The new siblings were also born in Haverhill.His mother had borne 8 children but 2 had died. |
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He enlisted in Sudbury.
The Queen Victoria's Rifles Battalion war diary has them near Epehy, having just relieved the 4th Suffolks and discharged gas on Epehy. 2nd/10th Bn on the left, 12th Bn on the right 12th Sept - Heavy hostile shelling artillery fire on Brigade front from 9:30to 10:30 am. Left Battalion's forward post rushed by the enemy and garrison scuppered ?Ill gas ?..and snipers active. Casualties 1 officer and 5 OR The South West Suffolk Echo on October 5th 1918 read:- "Mr. and Mrs. Farrant of Downs Place, Haverhill have received official notice that their son, Rfm, F.W.Farrant, of the King's Royal Rifles, was killed in action on September 12th. Deceased, who was only eighteen years of age at the time of his death, had been in the Army less than a year, and for the past six or seven months had been in France.Prior to enlistment he was employed at Messrs.Christmas and Co's Brewery. " and on 16th November :- A few weeks ago we notified the fact that Mr. and Mrs. Farrant of 1,Downs Place, Haverhill, had been notified of the death of their son Rfn.F.W.Farrant, of the King's Royal Rifle Corps. the following letters have been received:- From the Captain:- "It is with feelings of deepest regret I write to inform you of the death of your son, Rfn.F.Farrant, of this Company. He was killed a few days ago while we were in the line; a shell landed right on top of the trench he was in, and death was almost instantaneous. May I take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of his work, his cheerfulness and courage which he has shown while in the Company". From the Chaplain:-"Captain Samuelson informs me that he has conveyed to you the sad news of your son's death, but I thought you might like to hear that I conducted the funeral in the cemetery in this quiet village. We laid him to rest sadly and reverently in the quiet valley until the day dawns and the shadows flee away. A few days afterwards I marked the graves with a very nice cross which had been constructed by this Company. May God comfort you in your affliction: |
photo: Rodney Gibson
click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details