Name
Frank Edward Bird
25 March 1893
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
13/05/1915
22
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Corporal
476
Essex Yeomanry
Bishop's Stortford Troop. C. Squadron
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 (Mons) Star, British War and Victory Medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL
Panel 5.
Belgium
Headstone Inscription
N/A
UK & Other Memorials
St James’ Church Memorial, Thorley, Working Men’s Club / Village Hall Memorial, Thorley, Not on the Bishop's Stortford memorials
Pre War
Frank Edward Bird was born in Thorley on 25 March 1893 to Frederick and Fanny Alberta Bird of Hither Farm, Thorley and baptised at St James the Great, Thorley on 23 July 1893. He was educated at Hockerill Boys' Practising Schools. He joined Essex Yeomanry as a Trumpeter in November 1909 and having completed his four years' service rejoined for a further period. On the 1911 Census he was living with his family and working on the farm.
He was recorded as living in Bishop's Storford when he enlisted there.
Wartime Service
Frank became a member of the Essex Yeomanry at the age of 16. Immediately on the outbreak of the War he joined his Regiment and went out to France in November 1914. He was killed in action at Ypres on May 13th 1915. He was mentioned in despatches for bravery and coolness under fire and Captain R G Proby, who was in command of the Bishop's Stortford Troop wrote: "He took part with the rest of the Stortford Troop in a very gallant attack on the German lines. The attack succeeded, but unfortunately our losses were heavy – he is among the number. I need hardly say how sorry I am to have to tell you this news. His death will be very deeply felt by the whole Squadron & especially by his friends in the Stortford troop, with whom he was very popular. It will be some consolation to you know how bravely he fell."
Additional Information
His father received a war gratuity of £4.
Acknowledgments
Brenda Palmer
John E. I. Procter (Rector of Thorley), Bill Hardy, Philip Hargrave - www.friends-stjames.org, Jonty Wild
