TWITCHETT, Frank William


No.151979, Private, Frank TWITCHETT
Aged 20


16th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Canadian Scottish)
Killed in Action on Monday, 4th September 1916


Frank Twitchett was born in Denston (Risbridge Q2-1896 4A:740), son of Charles and Ellen TWITCHETT (née MALTON).

1901 census... Aged 5, he was at Upper Green, Denston with his father Charles TWITCHETT [45] horsekeeper born Stradishall; his mother Ellen [45] born Stansfield; sisters May [19] and Eva [13]; brothers Edgar [11], Charles [9] and Walter [2]. All the children were born in Denston.

1911 census... Aged 14, unemployed, he was still at Upper Green with his parents and brothers Edgar (farm labourer),Charles (stockman) and Walter

The Bury Free Press of 30th June 1917 reported the award of the Military Medal to his brother Charles, 220469, Private in the 47th Canadian Battalion. The same newspaper also recorded the enlistment of his youngest brother Walter and his posting to Rugeley Camp, near Stafford.
His brother Walter was killed in April 1918 in France see here


He enlisted in Brandon, Manitoba on 11th November 1915. (Canadian Archives RG150 Accession 1992-93/166, Box 9858-4). He gave his age as 19 years 7 months (born 22nd April 1896) in Denston, Suffolk, father Charles. He was a labourer, single, 5 feet 11.5 inches (181.6 cm)tall, chest 37" to 42" (94 to 106.7 cm), grey eyed, dark hair and a Presbyterian. His "circumstances of death" record has not survived (Sip to Z are missing)and the war diary has not yet been digitised and made available on line.

On 4th September 1916 the 16th Canadian (Canadian Scottish) were in support lines at Tara Hill and La Boisselle. One company in front line in Mouquet Farm sector.

CWGC records give 69 killed, only 29 with known graves.

The Bury Free Press of 30th September 19176 reported :-
DEATH OF A DENSTON SOLDIER

Mr and Mrs Twitchett of this village received on Saturday morning the sad intelligence of the death of their son, Prvt Frank Twitchett, who was killed in action by shrapnel on Sept.7th, death being instantaneous. The deceased emigrated to Canada nearly three years ago, and gave evidence of making a successful career. He, however, responded to the call of his King and country and joined the Canadian Scottish (16th Battalion).When the regiment arrived in England he was allowed a few days leave to visit his parents, for whom great sympathy is felt. Frank was a fine solder, and held in esteem by his comrades as the following letter from his officer shows:-
16th Battalion, The Canadian Scottish, B.E.F. Sept. 14th 1916
Dear Mr. Twitchett - The Commanding Officer desires me to convey his sincere sympathy on the death of your son, 151979 Prvt.F.Twitchett, who was killed in action on Sept.7th. Death was instantaneous, a piece of shrapnel piercing his body. He was buried near Poyrers {Pozières ?}. Owing to the strenuous fighting around that quarter it is at present impossible to erect a cross. He always showed himself to be a brave soldier. His loss to the Battlion, and especially to his platoon, is keenly felt.
John A.Hope, Capt. and Adjt.


Frank Twitchett is commemorated on the Canadian MemoriaL at Vimy Ridge

click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details


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