Frederick John Meaden

Story:
Frederick John Meaden (commonly known as John) was born in Okeford Fitzpaine on 12 May 1894 and baptised there on 9 Sep 1894 the son of Albert Henry Meaden and Martha Meaden (nee Rose).   He lived his early life in Okeford Fitzpaine and Tarrant Gunville, Dorset.  By 1911 his family had move to 97 St. James Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset.  He enlisted with the Dorset (Queen's Own) Yeomanry as a Private (Service No. 786).   He served from 23 Apr 1915 in the Egyptian Theatre and possibly at Gallipoli, Turkey.  His unit became part of the Corps of Hussars with a change of Service No. to 220174.  He was discharged on 5 Mar 1919 and awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1915 Star.  The 1921 Census shows him living with his parents ar Thickthorn Farm, Long Critchell, Dorset, where he assisted his father of the farm. Later that year he married Violet Elizabeth Belbin in Tarrant Gunville, Dorset, on 28 Sep 1921.  By the time of the 1939 Register he was living at Gorcombe Farm, Charlton Marshall, Dorset, described as a Dairy Farmer.  He died at Gorcombe Farm on 18 Nov 1974. Of his three brothers, Edwin Arthur Meaden was killed in action whilst Bertie Meaden and Walter Frank Meaden survived the conflict.  All their names appeared on a Roll of Honour published in the St. James' Church, Shaftesbury, Parish Magazine in Nov 1918.