John Francis Joiner (Frank) Thompson

Story:
John Francis Joiner Thompson (known by all as 'Frank') was born in 1887 in Hendon, Middlesex, and baptised on 27th November, 1887 at St. Augustine's Church, Paddington, London. He was the son of John and Jane Mary Thompson. His father had died prior to 1894 and his mother remarried in that year to Samson Trowbridge becoming the step brother of Ernest Trowbridge, Samson's son. At the time of the 1911 Census he was single, a labourer and living at 66 Thomas Road, Islington, London, whilst his mother lived at 4 Melbury Street, Melbury Abbas, Shaftesbury, Dorset, later moving to Hill View, Cann Common, Shaftesbury.

John enlisted in London as a Private with the 1st Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers (Service No. 1188). He served in France & Flanders from 13 Aug 1914 and was eventually awarded the Victory, British War and 1914/15 Star medals. He died of wounds on 24th September 1915 having previously been wounded in battle and repatriated home. He was buried at Wandsworth Cemetery, Earlsfield, London. This cemetery was used by the 3rd London General Hospital, Wandsworth. His name appears on the cemetery memorial (Screen Wall F.B.18.131) and he is also remembered on the Cann War Memorial, Shaftesbury. His step brother, Ernest Trowbridge, DCM, having died during the conflict and is also remembered on the Cann War Memorial. John's mother was granted a dependent's pension.