Military History

Frank is listed as being killed in action by an enemy sniper on the 1st January 1916 (the Nether Whitacre memorial states 1st May 1916). The very brief 1st Battalion war diary entries for the period 31st December to 2nd January 1916 are transcribed below.

Trenches at Bray C.2 - 31 Dec 1915: R.S.M. Morgan died of wounds

Trenches at Bray C.2 – 1 Jan 1916: 4pm Casualty 1 OR killed

Trenches at Bray C.2 – 1 Jan 1916: C.2. to Bray. One Coy to Entineham XV Infantry Brigade. Order G.358

The following is from the Coleshill Chronicle Newspaper of 12 January 1916 News has been received by Mr and Mrs Grove, Nether Whitacre Of the death of their son, Sergeant Frank William Grove, of the 3rd Birmingham Battalion. He was killed in action on New Year’s Day. He was an ‘old boy’ of Tamworth Grammar School and Saltley Training College. On leaving Saltley, he obtained a position As assistant school master of the Shustoke Industrial School. And enlisted from there on the outbreak of the war.

On Notifiying his death Captain Graham Dakin writes as follows: “BEF January 4th 1916. Dear Mr. Grove, - I regret very much to have to tell you of the Death of your son, Sergeant F. W. Grove, of my company, Which occurred on the 1st inst. He was shot by a sniper and killed instantly. His death is a great loss to me, for he was doing very well out here, was always cheery and looked after his men well. He is buried in a little cemetery just behind the Line and the exact place will, I believe, be sent to you officially. I Cannot tell you how deeply I sympathise with you in your great Loss, but you have the consolation, small though it may be at This time, that he did his duty and gave his life for his God, King and country. With sincerest sympathy – Believe me, Yours very sincerely, “GRAHAM DAKIN, Capt.”

His lieutenant writes: - “ January 4th, 1916, Dear Mr. Grove, - It is with great regret that I have to write to inform You of the death of your son. He was killed by a bullet in the hand By a German sniper while carrying out his duties on New Year’s Day. As my platoon sergeant he was a great help to me, and I shall Find it extremely hard to find his equal. He was always very Cheerful, and by his own working set a splendid example to the Rest of his platoon, who wish me to convey with my own their Deep sympathy. If by any chance there is anything I can assist you In I shall consider it a favour if you would let me know.- I remain, your very truly, “J. ARCH, Lieut., 16th Warks, B.E.F. France