WW1 Frank Hobbs

Frank Hobbs 1893 - 1916

Frank was born 19th August 1893 to parents Thomas and Martha Hobbs. Martha originally came from Dorset. All Saints church register records Frank was baptised on the 1st October 1893 by Astley Roberts, the vicar during that time.

The family lived at 1 Albion Terrace as described in the 1901 census. Other family members listed were, Walter 24 years, Thomas 23 years , Florence 11 years , Arthur 10 years whilst Frank is 7 years.
The 1911 census also reveals two other sisters Amy 28 years and Emily 26 years and that Frank's mother had borne 12 children, 11 of whom had survived. At this time his father Thomas was a widower and his mother had passed away sometime since 1901.
By 1911 the homes in New Road originally identified by individual terrace names were now numbered as a road. Frank's family home was now numbered as 86 New Road.
Frank's father was employed at the John Dickinson paper mill in Croxley Green as an engine driver. The mill used fireless engines that ran on steam produced in the mill. The sparks from a normal engine could have been problematic with all the combustible paper etc on site. Frank and his brother Arthur were also at the mill as labourers.
At this point Frank's actual date of enlistment is unknown but we do know he was a Lance Corporal and served in the 7th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment in France and Flanders.
From the timing of his death in November 1916 it would appear he could have been at one of the many battles on The Somme.

7th Beds. France. B.E F
                                                                 19/11/16

Dear Sir
             I am deeply grieved to inform you that your son whilst
in the discharge of his duties in the trenches last Thursday night
met his death being instantaneously killed by a shell, beside
him another was killed and 3 others wounded at the same time,
In this hour of sorrow I should like to place on record how
greatly his Colleagues in the company & myself feel his loss as
he was at all times a most capable and trustworthy fellow
Considering the magnitude of the stupendous struggle which
shows no sign of nearing its close involving as it does
nearly every home in great Britain such bereavements are
inevitable, although it is always a terrible blow for the
nearest relations to bear in the loss of their dear ones who
have sacrificed their all in the cause of freedom. I can
assure you, Sir that our deepest sympathy is extended to
you and all members of the family by reason of the
irreparable loss you have sustained, in conclusion I may
mention his end suffered somewhat heavily from Gas Shell Attack

                                 I am Sir
                                    Yours Sincerely