Name
Francis William Hill
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Biography
Francis Hill, also known as Frank, was born in the Autumn of 1887 at Abbots Langley. He was one of seven children (four sons and three daughters) born to William and Frances Hill. William worked as a Draper’s Shop Keeper and in the 1901 Census was recorded living at the High Street, Abbots Langley. In the 1911 Census the family lived at The Limes”, a property near to the corner of Abbots Road and the High Street. In the 1911 Census Francis was described as an Insurance Clerk.
The Abbots Langley Parish Magazine Roll of Honour recorded Frank for the first time in February 1917 serving with the Army Veterinary Corps (AVC). However Frank’s Pensions Record noted that he attested and was medically examined on 16th August 1916 at Bedford. His Medical revealed that he had defective upper teeth and was liable to attacks of rheumatism. In consequence he was classified Medical Category I and posted to the AVC. He joined up at Woolwich on 8th January 1917 and served in a clerical position in the Records Office throughout the War. On 4th November 1918 Frank was appointed Acting Corporal, and on 14th December was appointed Acting Sergeant. On 24th January 1919 he received a further promotion to the rank of Acting Quarter Master Sergeant.
Frank was recorded in the Absent Voter Records in Autumn 1918 and Spring 1919 serving with the AVC at Woolwich, and his home address was given at “The Limes”, Abbots Langley.
Francis Hill was discharged on 5th April 1919 and survived the War, as did his brother Bertrand. However, his brother, Arthur Hill, who joined up with Bertrand in 1914 died from wounds received at the Battle of Aubers Ridge on13th May 1915. His brother in law, Richard Annear survived the War.
Acknowledgments
Roger Yapp - www.backtothefront.org
