Name
Frederick Biffen
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
29/08/1918
20
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Rifleman
322643
London Regiment (City of London Rifles) *1
1st/6th (City of London) Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL
10
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Royston Town War Memorial, St Mary's Church Roll of Honour (Book), Hitchin
Pre War
Frederick was born in Hammersmith in 1898, the son of Thomas Thackery & Mary Elizabeth Biffen. His father ran a Grocery business in Royston. Frederick went to school in Royston
1901 Census. All the family living in Mill Road. Father’s Occupation Grocer and off licence beer seller and in the 1911 Census, Thomas Thackery, wife Elizabeth and son Frederick are living at at 108 Whinbush Road, Hitchin. Two sister are also listed, Harriet and Maud
Sadly, is mother died on the 30th August 1911, aged 64.
Wartime Service
Frederick served with the 1st/6th London Regiment, a Territorial Army unit which was part of the 174th Brigade in the 58th (2/1st London) Division.
Fred was killed in operations near the village of Sailly-Laurette on the 29th August 1918. His body was not recovered from the battlefield and he his name is recorded on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial.
Additional Information
*1 More correctly London Regiment (Rifles).
Frederick is also commemorated on his parents' (Mary and Thomas Biffen) headstone in Hitchin Cemetery. His inscription reads:ALSO IN PROUD AND LOVING MEMORY OF
FREDERICK BIFFEN 1/13TH. LONDON REGT.
THE DEARLY LOVED SON OF THE ABOVE
WHO WAS KILLED IN ACTION IN FRANCE
August 29th 1918.
HE GAVE HIS LIFE TO HELP SAVE US
AGED 20 YEARS
Acknowledgments
Paul Johnson, Pam Frierley, Yolanda Hayes
