Francis Edward Pickford

Story:
Francis Edward Pickford  (also known as Frank) was born in Melbury Abbas, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 22nd May 1896 and baptised there on 21st June 1896, the son of William Pickford and Julia Emma Pickford (née Pickford).  He lived his early life with his parents at Manor Farm, Melbury Abbas, Shaftesbury, Dorset.  His mother died in 1909. There are no surviving Service Records in this case but there is a medal record showing he served as a Private with the Dorset (Queen's Own) Yeomanry (Service No. 230130).  On his discharge on 28th April 1919 he was awarded the Victory and British War medals.   He married Flora Mary Gibbs at Stour Provost, Dorset, on 10th November 1920 and by the 1921 Census, as well as the 1939 Register, was living at Coles Lane Farm, Shaftesbury, Dorset, described as a Dairy Farmer.  He died in Shaftesbury on 4th August 1982 and was buried at Melbury Abbas, Shaftesbury, on 9th August 1982.