L/Cpl 25798 Frederick James Elton

• Age: 23
• From: Stafford
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 18th Btn
• K.I.A Monday 9th April 1917
• Commemorated at: Neuville-vitasse Rd Cem
  Panel Ref: D14

Frederick James Elton was born 21^st July 1894 at Stafford, the son of Frank and Mary Jane Elton (nee Farquhar) , of Houghton Hall, Stafford, who were married in 1891 in Solihull. 

He was educated at King Edward Vi Grammar School, Stafford and prior to the outbreak of war he had been employed by Barclays Bank.

The 1901 Census shows the family living at 12 Meyrick Road, Stafford.

His father, Frank, is aged 43, born Foleshill, Coventry is Chief Clerk for the Post Office, mother Mary Jane is aged 42, born in Watlington, Oxford. Children all born Stafford, Frank S. aged 16 a sorting clerk and telegraphist , William P. aged 15, Arthur F. aged 8, Frederick J. aged 6, Eleanor M. aged 2, and Cyril J, aged 10mths. 

The 1911 Census shows the family have moved to 12 Newport Road, Stafford.

His father, Frank, is aged 53, born 1858 in Coventry is a post office Superintendent, whilst his mother,  Mary Jane is aged 53, born 1858 in Watlington, Oxford. They have been married for nineteen years and have had five children of which one died. THose listed in the Census are; Arthur aged 18, born 1893 is a bank clerk, Frederick James aged 16, Eleanor Annie aged 12, born 1899 and Cyril Joseph aged 10, born 1901 are all at school. The children were all born in Stafford.

He was living in Liscard, Cheshire, when he enlisted in Liverpool and was serving in the 18th Battalion, The King’s Liverpool Regiment as Lance Corporal No 25798 when he was killed in action on the 9th April, 1917 aged 23 during The Battle of Arras.

Arras 09^th April 1917

Details of the circumstances the 18^th Battalion had to contend with are illustrated below:

The battalion formed the left assaulting battalion of the brigade, the 2^nd Wiltshire Regiment being on the right, the 19^th Manchester Regiment being in support and 2^nd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment furnishing “moppers -up”  for the two assaulting battalions. The brigade advance was timed to begin at ---- hour after “Zero”, suited to conform with the movements of 56^th Division and other divisions on our left further north (near Arras). This battalion’s objective was the front-line system Lion Lane on the left (exclusive) to Panther Lane on right (exclusive). This sector included the strongpoint known as “The Egg”.

The brigade advanced at prearranged time, i.e., 11.38 a.m, from position of assembly trenches south of Neuville Vitasse to German front line. This necessitated an advance across the open of at least 2,000 yards. This area up to Neuville Vitasse- Henin road was crossed in artillery formation; after this, owing to machine-gun fire and considerable resistance from German posts forward in the sunken roads, it was found necessary to deploy. During the whole movement across the open the advancing columns had been under considerable artillery fire from guns of all calibres. On gaining the position immediately in front of German line it was found that the wire was practically uncut; this wire formed two strong belts in front of German trenches. Two small gaps were eventually discovered and Second-Lieut H.F.Merry gallantly led a bombing party through them, but his three remaining men were killed as they reached the German trenches.

From the moment the battalion was “held up” in front of German wire Capt. R. W. Jones, the senior company commander on the spot, at once began the work of consolidating in front of German wire. The battalion held on in this position for the remainder of the day, until relieved by the 16^th Manchester Regiment about 3 a.m. on the 10^th of April, all the time under intense machine-gun and rifle fire.

Between 9th-10th April, 1917, the 18th King's lost 2 officers 2nd Lt. F. Ashcroft and 2nd Lt. H.G. Ewing and 59 other ranks killed. 8 other officers were wounded.  

He now rests at Neuville-Vitasse Road Cemetery, France. The Inscription on his headstone reads:

“THY WILL BE DONE”

He is commemorated on the following Memorials:

Wallasey Civic Memorial (Hospital)

Wallasey Civic Memorial (Roll of Honour)

Manor Road Wesleyan Methodist Church, Liscard

Journal of the Institute of Bankers Roll of Honour

Barclays Bank Memorial Panels and books of Rememberance.

Soldiers Effects to father Frank, no Pension record found.

Brother Cyril Joseph enlisted in Lichfield on the 16 June 1918 as Pte 69450 King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. He did not serve overseas but was awarded a SWB and discharged in 1919 being unfit.

 

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