Frank Ernest Jordan was born in 1895 at Shifnal, Shropshire. His father was Thomas, a former postman and later a railway porter working for Great Western Railways at the station and depot at Oswestry. His mother was Alice; she would have 6 children, Frank the eldest and with younger sisters Alice, Gertrude, Florence, Annie, Dorothy and Edward. By 1901 the family had moved from Shifnal and were living at 6 Prince Street, Oswestry and by 1911 had moved to 42 Llwyn Road. Frank, like his father would also work for GWR, as a porter in the transport and freight depot. On 6 September 1914 Frank enlisted in the Oswestry Pals – 6 Bn King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. He went over to France with the battalion on 24 July 1915. At some time he was wounded and, after recovering and returning to the front, was posted to D Company 1 Bn KSLI. He was KIA on 24 September 1918 during the 100 Days. The 1 Bn KSLI was in the thick of the fighting around Fresnoy le Petit, to the north of St Quentin, against a strong point in the German line known as the Quadrilateral. Their attack was successful and they held the position until the next day when they were relieved. Casualties for the 2 days were 2 officers and 12 ORs killed and 4 officers and 64 ORs wounded. Frank was buried on the battlefield. After the war, when the battlefields were cleared he was re-interred at Chapelle British Cemetery, Holnon. His body was identified by his ID disc.  His headstone has the inscription ‘Fondly remembered by all at home, 42 Llwyn Rd Oswestry’. Frank is also commemorated at St Oswald’s and Holy Trinity churches in Oswestry and on the GWR Memorial Roll of Honour at Chester Station.

See also, KIA at same action:

Private 19743 Alfred Smith, 1 Bn King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. DoW 25 September 1918, Chapelle British Cemetery, Holnon

Private 19742 Albert Smith, 1 Bn King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. DoW 25 September 1918. Brie British Cemetery

Acknowledgements.

References and Sources

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