Name
Frank Hannell
15 Dec 1893
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
21/09/1916
22
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
443256
Canadian Infantry
27th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
PUCHEVILLERS BRITISH CEMETERY
IV. D. 31.
France
Headstone Inscription
LIFE'S RACE WELL RUN LIFE'S WORK WELL DONE LIFE'S CROWN WELL WON NOW SWEET REST
UK & Other Memorials
Wheathampstead Village Memorial(*1), Not on the St Albans memorials(*2)
Pre War
Frank was born on 15 Dec 1893 in St Albans to Francis William Hannell, a silk throwster, and Harriet (nee Archer). The family consisted of parents, William (born 1887), Alice Maud (born 1888), Herbert (born 1890), Henry Charles known as Harry (born 1892), Frank, and Annie (born 1895). Frank’s mother Harriet died in 1898.
On the 1901 Census Frank and his brother Harry were living with the Baigent family in Necton Road, Marford, Wheathampstead. On 26 Feb 1908 Frank left UK on ship ‘Grampian’ bound for St John, Canada. On the 1911 Census Frank was resident in Nelson, Kootenay, British Columbia and a farm labourer.
Wartime Service
Frank attested on 28 Jun 1915 giving his occupation as an express messenger, at Vernon Camp, British Columbia. He was enlisted in W Company 54 (Kootenay) Battalion Canadian Infantry. He was appointed as Corporal on 28 Jun 1915 until he reverted to Private on 31 Jul 1915 and posted to D Company.
His unit sailed from Quebec aboard SS Scandinavian on 23 Oct 1915 arriving in UK on 2 Nov 1915, having been transferred to 30th (B.C.) Battalion on 1 Apr 1915. Frank was transferred to 27 Battalion on 1 Apr 1916 and went to France joining them in the field on 2 Apr 1916. 27th (City of Winnipeg) Battalion were part of the 3rd Canadian Division and were in the Line at Ypres. During the period 2 – 13 Jun 1916 they were engaged in the Battle of Mount Sorrell around Hill 60 and Hill 62 to gain higher ground from the German troops. The Canadians were transferred to the Somme Area and took part in the Battle of Flers-Coucelette (15 – 22 Sep 1916) where they attacked the German lines behind Tanks for the first time. During this Battle Frank was wounded on 20 Sep 1916 and although being taken to 44 Casualty Clearing Station he died from his wounds on 21 Sep 1916.
The Revelstoke Review ( British Columbia) reported his death with this news: “Frank Hannell went overseas with the “C” draft of the 54th Battalion and was transferred in England to another regiment. Prior to enlistment last summer, he had been express messenger on the south branch and was both well known and highly respected by the citizens of Revelstoke. The sad news of his death was received last Thursday by Mrs. P. Henderson.”
Additional Information
*1 listed as F Hanwell. *2 Records found have recorded his birthplace as St Albans. This may be the case, however St Albans was the main postal location given for nearby villages and hamlets, so it may be that this information is misleading. If more accurate information found this will be updated.
Acknowledgments
Neil Cooper
