No.17263, Private, Frederick George TUCK
Aged 34
|
Frederick George Tuck was born in Hengrave in 1881 (Thingoe Q3-1881 4A:577), son of Jessie and Rebecca TUCK (née COOTE). The memorial plaque has Frederick J, but
this Frederick George must be the man.
1891 census...Aged 9, he was at Reed Pond Cottages, Hengrave with his father Jessie TUCK [48] Gardener born Stowlangtoft; his mother Rebecca [49] born Bardfield, Essex; brother John [15], a gardener; sisters Lizzie [13] and Lillie [11]. The children were all born in Hengrave. There were three elder sisters, not here for the census, Mary Ann [11] born Stowlangtoft, Caroline [10] and Ellen [8] both born in Hengrave. 1901 census...Aged 19, a domestic gardener, he was boarding with the COBBETT family at Halfway Cottages, Westerfield, Ipswich. His parents were still at The Street, Hengrave with his 5 years old nephew, Bertie. 1911 census...Aged 29, fireman/gardener, he was at Grims Dyke Gardens, Harrow Weald, Middlesex, head of house, with boarder Oliver COOPER [21]from Dorset, another gardener. This was the home of Sir William Gilbert (of Gilbert and Sullivan), the gardens being designed by Lady Gilbert..His parents were still in Hengrave looking after his nephew Bertie. Frederick's Register of Soldiers Effects entry has as a sole legatee a Miss Ellen CARRINGTON. His nephew Bertie Tuck died in France 3 months later. see here |
He enlisted in Watford.
The 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment (the Shiny Seventh) exploits on 1st July are comprehensively covered in Steven Fuller's excellent website about the
Bedfordshire Regiment.
Click.......... here to go to the website
Briefly though, the 7th Bedford on the 1st day of the Battle of the Somme took part in the successful attack on the Pommiers redoubt. they led the assault with the 11th Royal Fusiliers,
suffering heavy casualties among the officers and the leading waves then being led by N.C.O.s. Relieved after consolidation of redoubt, Beetle Alley and New
Trench. Casualties put at 321
CWGC have 89 killed, of which 52 have no known grave.
The Bury Free Press on 29th July 1916 reported:-
SAD NEWS FOR HENGRAVE FAMILY -
Mr, Tuck, late gardener of Hengrave Hall, has just received the sad news of the death of his youngest son, Frederick George, who was killed in action on July 1st by a bullet in his chest. Until he joined the Army, in September 1914, the deceased was employed as a gardener to Lady Gibbert, of Grims Dykes, Harrow Weald. He was in the Bedfordshire Regiment, and had been in France since August 1915. He was 35 years of age. Deep sympathy is felt for is parents, five sisters, and only brother, who is on active service in Salonica. Deceased was engaged to Miss Carrington of Wickham Bishops, who has the sympathy of a wide circle of friends...
photo: Rodney Gibson
click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details