Lives of the First World War

known 6th October 1916

KILLED BY SHELL FIRE: IN THE TRENCHES A FORTNIGHT - News has been received by Mr and Mrs H Wilson, 9 Hawthorn St, Macclesfield, that their son, Private Frank Wilson, of the Grenadier Guards, has been killed in action in France. The sad intelligence was in a letter written by Private H H Green, of the same regiment: "It is with deep regret that I write to let you know that the owner of these photos has met his death, which was caused by a shell. When I went out to get his pay-book, which [has been] given to the Company Sergt-Major I found the enclosed inside his pocket... it was his request that they should be returned to you... I myself got shot through the thigh a few hours afterwards... I didn't know your son to speak to, but of course I knew him by sight." The articles referred to were three photos the deceased soldier carried, one of which bore his name and address.Private Wilson was 23 years of age, and stood 5ft 11¾in. He was a native of Macclesfield and received his education at Duke Street School. For six years, he was a member of the parish Church Choir, and attended Mr R L Hidderley's Bible Class. Prior to enlisting in November 1915, he was a police constable at Salford. He went out the France six weeks ago, and had only been in the trenches about a fortnight. Before going to Salford, Private WIlson was employed by Mr G H Williamson, mineral water manufacturer. The deceased's brother, Gunner Walter Wilson, is serving with the Garrison Artillery in France.

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