Eleven-Eleven-Eleven
On Armistice Day 2009 I want to remember Private Frank Lawrence, 44384, 12th Gloustershire Regiment who died a German POW on October 21, 1918, less than one month before the armistice was signed.
Frank was the son of my great grandmother’s brother Walter Lawrence and his wife Sarah. His sisters Beatrice and Winifred and brothers Cebert, Harry, and Walter survived. As did many cousins, including my biological grandfather, Courtnay Granecome.
Clevedon Civic Society World War 1 Casualty List
Frank Lawrence, aged 19 of 9 Strode Road, went to France in April 1918, three weeks later he was wounded and captured . He died in the German Hospital, Antwerp as a result of poor medical conditions.
St. Andrews Church Honor Roll in Clevedon:
2th (Service) (Bristol) Battalion. Private 44384. Born Clevedon. Enlisted Taunton. Formerly 68185 Devonshire Regiment. Died 21st October 1918.Aged 19. SCHOONSELHOF CEMETERY. Plot IIa, 47.
With respect, fallen soldiers are those that pay the ultimate price, the rest of the veterans are the carriers of our debts. I know, I am a Vet.
May the fallen be remembered, the veteran be honored and the soldier of today be supported.
I also remember a special soldier, today. My paternal uncle, Earl Kinney, who was killed in action on his third day of active duty in the European theater, WWII. He died before I was born, but I still felt his absence and the sorrow and pride my grandparents felt was palpable. Thanks for this blog, Marley.
So young, only 19. May he rest in peace, and all veterans be honored for their sacrifice.
From “Flanders Fields”:
“We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields. “
Honor the dead, and help the many living vets and troops get decent care and services.