Frank Jesse

Story:
Frank Jesse was born in 1899 in Fontmell Magna, Dorset, and baptised there on 21st May, 1899. He was the son of William Jesse, a Miller & Farmer, and Kate Rose Jesse (née Jeanes). Unfortunately his mother passed away on 26th March, 1899 possibly following Frank's birth. His father died in 1905. At the time of the 1911 Census he was single, was a scholar and living with his brother, Reginald, at Gulliver's Farm, East Orchard, Dorset.  His brother Charles also went on to serve in the war, with the City of London Regiment and Royal Engineers also brother, Percy William, served with the the New Zealand Forces .

Frank attended Shaftesbury Grammar School between April 1912 and July 1913. He enlisted in Sturminster Newton as a Private and joined the 2nd Battalion of Princess Charlotte of Wales's (Royal Berkshire) Regiment (Service No. 44857). He served in France & Flanders and was awarded the Victory and British War medals. His death was 'officially accepted' as being 27th May 1918 as his remains were not recovered.  He is remembered on the Soissons Memorial, Aisne, Picardie, France as well as on the Fontmell Magna War Memorial and the Shaftesbury Grammar School Memorial now in the hall at Shaftesbury School. (Originally his name was missed off the Fontmell Magna Memorial and had be hurriedly added at a later date).

His name was also included on a hand written list of Shaftesbury Grammar School old boys serving during the war. An asterix can be seen next to Frank's name, indicating that he had died. The board is now at Gold Hill Museum.

Printed Sources:
"Fontmell Magna and the First World War", compiled by Chris Bellers, Fontmell Magna Village Archive Society, 2014.
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, March 1919.