John Frost

John William Frost

Personal Details

Born in Stinsford, Dorset in 1892, the eldest son of John and Mary Frost.

Husband of May (nee Edge) Frost of Egerton Road, Whitchurch.

John worked as a groom before enlisting in 1914.

Military Details

Regiment : 6th (Service) Battalion York & Lancaster Regiment
Rank : Private
Service Number : 3/20850

Died of Illness; At Sea 20th September 1915 Age 24

Medals and Awards
John was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals


Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

The 1914 Star (also known as 'Pip') was authorised under Special Army Order no. 350 in November 1917 and by an Admiralty Fleet Order in 1918, for award to officers and men of the British and Indian Expeditionary Forces who served in France or Belgium between 5 August and midnight of 22–23 November 1914. The former date is the day after Britain's declaration of war against the Central Powers, and the closing date marks the end of the First Battle of Ypres.

The 1914–15 Star (also known as 'Pip') was instituted in December 1918 and was awarded to officers and men of British and Imperial forces who served against the Central European Powers in any theatre of the Great War between 5 August 1914 and 31 December 1915. The period of eligibility was prior to the introduction of the Military Service Act 1916, which instituted conscription in Britain.

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.



Further Information

Extract from Army records


His Army Record States;

"Sir, I beg to report that No. 20850 Pte. J. W. Frost 6th Bn. York & Lancashire Regiment was admitted on board this Hospital Ship on 16th September 1915, suffering from Dysentery. His condition on admission was serious and in spite of every care and attention he passed away at 12-45 pm, on the 20th September. He was buried at sea with full Military Honours on the 21st September 1915
Signed J Alan Longley Captain
Hospital Ship, “Aquitania”"

Extract from Army Record



If you can provide any further information on John William Frost please get in touch by leaving a comment below, using our Contact Form or by calling in to Whitchurch Heritage Centre.


Information provided by Terry Evanson Whitchurch, Shropshire and Whitchurch Museum and Archives


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