Tuesday 16 February 2016

Frank Thornhill Lawrence 1912-1944, age 32

Barnsley Chronicle 24th June 1944
Thanks to Barnsley Archives
Born: 1912 Q1 in Barnsley

Son of: William and Grace Lawrence nee Thornhill. William and Grace married in 1894.  William (1867-1943, died age 76) was a barman, and became an underground labourer in 1911 when the family moved from Wright's Terrace to a house with 3 rooms at Craick's Court, Old Mill, Barnsley. William was born in Kensington in London, and Grace (1875-1957, died age 82) was born in Birdwell.The couple had at least 7 children, and by 1911, one of them had died. 

  • John Arthur 1895 Q3, born Birdwell
  • Alfred 1897 Q3, born Barnsley
  • Thomas William 1900 Q1, born Barnsley
  • Lily Ann 1906 Q3, born Smithies, Barnsley
  • Alice 1909 Q2 born Old Mill, Barnsley 
  • Frank Thornhill 1912 Q1
  • Albert 1916 Q3

Husband of: Doris Ellen Lawrence nee Linsley. Frank and Doris's marriage was registered in 1939 Q1, Barnsley.  

Military Service: Frank was a Private in the York and Lancaster Regiment, 9th Battalion, Service number 4756402.

Death: 31st May 1944 from malaria in Burma.   

Buried: Taukkyan War cemetery in Myanmar, Burma, grave reference II. F. 7. His grave bears the following inscription
"Treasured memories of my dear husband"

Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  

The Barnsley Chronicle of 24th June 1944 reported
Barnsley Soldier dies from Malaria
News has been received by Mrs Lawrence, 3 Blenheim Avenue, Barnsley, that her husband Pte. Frank Thornhill Lawrence (32) died during May from malaria in the Indian theatre of war. Joining the Forces in 1940 after working as a case maker at the glass bottle works of Redfearn Bros., he had been overseas two years. He was the son of Mrs and the late Mr W. Lawrence, 3 Wharfe Street, Barnsley, and he leaves a wife but no children. 

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