In June 1916, Private Frank Parks was killed in France, aged 20. He was born in West Bridgford and in 1911, aged 15, his occupation was registered as a butcher, still living with his parents, Frank being the youngest of 3 children. Soon after 1911 his parents moved to Stathern. In 1914 when he was 18 Frank Parks enlisted in the Notts and Derby Regiment known as the Sherwood Foresters and after training he was sent to France.

 

We know that he took part in the horrific battle of Loos in 1915 and came out of it unscathed. But on the 24 June 1916 at about 1.00am he was on an important night patrol when he was shot. His commanding officer wrote to his father “His death was instantaneous and painless. He was always cheerful and did his work excellently; always willing to do anything that was wanted and absolutely fearless in the face of danger”.

 

He was buried at the Foncquevilliers Military cemetery near Arras in northern France.

​

Roger Hawkins, November 2016