Frank Rabbets

Story:
Frank Rabbets was born in Ashmore, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 30 Apr 1884 and baptised there on 29 June 1884, the son of Charles Frederick Rabbets and Mary Ann Rabbets (nee Wilkins). He lived all his early life in Ashmore. He enlisted on the 7 September 1914 and joined the Dorsetshire Regiment as a Private (Service No. 10829). He served in France and Flanders from 13 July 1915 and at some time was promoted to Acting Sergeant. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal on 19 April 1916 and later on seriously wounded in action and assessed as being no longer fit for service and discharged on 8 May 1917 being granted the Silver War Badge No. 172239 plus a pension. He was later also awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1915 Star. He married Florence May Bartlett at St. Peter's Church, Chetnole, Dorset, on 9 July 1917 and was then described as a Plate Layer. The 1921 Census and 1939 Register show him living in No. 18 Council Houses, Chetnole, Dorset, now described as a Disabled Soldier. His death was recorded at Damers Hospital, Dorchester, Dorset, on 31 March 1966 and he was later interred in St. Peter's Churchyard, Chetnole.