Rifleman A/205166 SPRINGETT F.W. 16th Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps.
Springett, Frank William. DoD: 26/08/1918. Age: 19. Son of Stephen John and Eliza Springett of Tabor Cottages, Maidstone Road, Horsmonden, Kent. Occ: Grocer’s Assistant. Unit text: 16th Battalion, Kings Rifle Corps Regiment. Cemetery: Grand-Seraucourt British Cemetery.
At the age of 18, early in 1917, Frank enlisted into the 22nd Training Corps and in November he was placed into the Kings Royal Rifle Corps.
His comprehensive training was completed in December and following 6 days leave, sailed for France on 13th January 1918, the day after his 19th birthday.
Frank was posted missing 18th April 1918 and became a Prisoner of War; officially accepted as having died of wounds five months later on 26th August.
There are no Service Records available but through a collection of ‘Frank Springett’ letters held at the Bay Museum in Canvey Island, Essex and War Diary entries, Frank’s movements were traced.
Sadly, Frank’s father Stephen, continued to write unaware that his son had died – a copy of the letter of 25th October is shown.
The transcriptions of all letters are available to view from a link on this page.