Name
Francis Reedham Wilshere
22 Sep 1879
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
19/05/1917
37
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Acting Bombardier
102535
Royal Garrison Artillery
212th Siege Bty.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
BULLY-GRENAY COMMUNAL CEMETERY, BRITISH EXTENSION
I. G. 14.
France
Headstone Inscription
No Report
UK & Other Memorials
Not on the Harpenden memorials
Pre War
Francis Reedman was born in Harpenden on 22 Sep 1879 to George Wilshire, a straw hat manufacturer, and Charlotte Elizabeth ( nee ).
On the 1881 Census the family were living at the Village, Harpenden. On the 1891 they had moved to Ingrave Road, Battersea and Francis was at school.
On 12 Sep 1901 Francis married Sarah Ellen Taylor in Walthamstow. There were two daughters, Dorothy Ellen born 9 Jul 1902 and Ellen Maud born 15 Jan 1907. They were living at 95 Alexander Road, Wimbledon and Francis was a dental mechanic.
Wartime Service
Francis attested 5 Jun 1916 and on 12 Jul 1916 he was posted Gunner 102535 to the Royal Garrison Artillery. On 16 Sep 1916 he transferred to 212 Siege Battery.
He was promoted Bombardier (Acting) on18 Sep 1916. The battery left for France on 6 Dec 1916 from Southampton arriving in Le Havre on 7 Dec 1916. Francis had a spell in hospital from 8 Feb to 20 Mar 1917 and after time at base returned to his Unit on 25 April 1917.
The Battery were in position near Arras when it was heavily shelled on 19 May 1917and Francis was killed during this action.
Acknowledgments
Neil Cooper
Jonty Wild
