Frank Arrowsmith

Royal Army Service Corps

Personal Details

Born: 1888 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 9 May 1888 at St. Alkmund`s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the fourth of twelve children born to Alfred Arrowsmith, a labourer in an iron foundry and his wife Ellen. He married Ethel Maud Bangham on 23 September 1914 at Crewe Parish Church, Crewe, Cheshire. The couple had four children; Arthur J, Phyllis Maud, Frances C and Barbara M.

Residence: In 1891 he was living with his parents and siblings at Foxes Lane, Broughall, Whitchurch, Shropshire. By 1901 the family had moved to Edgeley, Whitchurch. In 1911 he was a boarder at 27 Pollitt Street, Gorton, Manchester. When he enlisted in 1915 he gave his address as 5 High Gate, Whitchurch, however this was changed to 37 Bridge Street, Benthall, Nr. Broseley. Shropshire. On his pension record another address of Ash View, Brown Moss, Whitchurch was given for him.

Employment: In 1911 he was a railway engine cleaner but in 1915 his occupation was given as a motor mechanic.

Died: 21 March 1924 in Madeley, Shropshire, aged 35.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps

Rank: Private

Service Number: M2/202830

Date of Enlistment: 10 December 1915

Date of Discharge: 23 October 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Frank was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War medal and Victory medal)

Campaign Medals

Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.

The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.


 


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