Frank White

Story:
Frank White was born on 28th January, 1885 in Shaftesbury, Dorset, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church on 19th February, 1885. He was the son of Henry Charles White, (known as Charles), a mason's labourer, and Thirza White (née Mayo). Frank spent most of his early life living with his grandfather, Samuel Mayo, in St James Street, Shaftesbury.  His father died in 1911 just prior to the Census. At the time of the 1911 Census Frank was working as a Painter and living now with his mother at 68 St. James, Shaftesbury. In 1913 he married Edith Jane Batt in Stoneham, Hampshire, and records show that they had one son, Cyril William White, born in 1914. Frank enlisted as a Private in the 1st Battalion of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry (Service No. 26256). He served in France and Flanders and was awarded the Victory and British War medals. He was presumed killed in action on 4th October 1917 and his name appears on the Tyne Cot Memorial (Panel 80 to 82 & 163A). He is remembered on the Park Walk and St James’ War Memorials. He also appears on the Roll of Honour in St James’ Church and on the Holy Trinity Memorial, now in St. Peter's Church, Shaftesbury.  Edith, his wife, then living at 21 Gold Hill, Shaftesbury, received a pension in due course of £1. 0s. 5d. (£1.02p) per week until 10 Dec 1930. Edith White remarried in 1922, to William Harding and went to live in Eastleigh, Hampshire. Frank's brother Reginald Harry (b. 1897) also served in the war, with the Dorsetshire Regiment.