Military History

Frank is listed as being killed in action on 13 Oct 1914. The 1st Battalion war diary entry for that day is transcribed below. Also badly wounded, shot through the right lung, during this battle was Lt. Montgomery who went onto to become Field Marshall Montgomery, leader of British forces in WW2.

Castre - 13 Oct 1914: 2am: Arrived Castre and went into billets

9.20am: Orders to move to Meteren

9.38am: A & C Coys formed advance guard under Major Poole.

10am: On reaching Fletre enemy were reported to be holding high ground along ridges in front of Meteren. A & B Coys were deployed A of left B on right N of wall to advance & if possible to cross road. D Coy under Major Christie was sent up behind C Coy in support. Enemy retired into and just outside Meteren occupying trenches & houses.

11am: Regiment ordered to push on & endeavour to drive them out.

1pm: Gained outskirts of village but were held up & great need of supports C & D Coys again advanced and took several trenches but suffered severely.

1.30pm: G.O.C. ordered Regiment to halt & he would attack with Xth Brigade to North of Village & 12^th Brigade was to attack on S of road.

2pm: 12^th Brigade commence their attack

3pm: Seaforths attack on our left & through A Coy which withdrew at dusk to Planeboon. C & D Coys under Captain Freeman & Major Christie were unable to withdraw till much later owing to heavy fire but about 8pm the King’s Own came up & passed through them.

10pm: C & D Coys join Battalion at Planeboon, the Regiment becoming Reserve to Brigade. Meteren was taken during the night. Our casualties 42 killed, 85 wounded. Major Christie & Lt Gilcrist (died of wounds), Lt Montgomery (badly wounded).