Other Information:Frank was educated at the Birmingham Grammar School and became an assistant in his father's business. He joined the R.A.M.C. in October 1915, and entered the war in France on 24th May 1916. He died from dysentery, contracted whilst on active service, in No 9 General Hospital. A letter written on behalf of Frank's comrades stated: "We assure you that your loss is our loss, for we had no better chum or truer comrade than Frank, and the news came as a great blow to us all. The Second Field Ambulance Fellowship Service, of which Frank was one of the most active organizers, last Sunday took the form of a memorial service, and it was the wish of the whole assembly that we should coney to you their deepest sympathy, for Frank was universally liked and admired throughout the unit. His cheery face, kindly way, and ever-willing help are missed by one and all." The chaplain wrote: "He has given his life for his country as truly as if he had died fighting in the trenches. Indeed, it was in and about the trenches that he contracted the illness from which he has died. I know how universally he was loved by his comrades, and how truly they will miss him." An appreciation by the leaders of the Villa Road United Methodist Church, Handworth, where Frank was secretary of the singing class, a Sunday-school teacher, and secretary of the foreign missions, stated: "The leaders feel that Frank's early death is a great loss to the Church and Sunday school, where a scholar, teacher and member of the Church he was held in the highest esteem for his personal uprightness, his reliability in every duty he undertook, and his unwearying courtesy and kindness to everyone with whom he came in contact. The leaders greatly admired his loyalty and devotion to the Church and Sunday school in various ways, and if his life had been spared it was anticipated he would become one of the strongest pillars of support to the church in the future. But Divine Providence has decided otherwise. His noble Christian character, his helpfulness and kindness, will long remain an inspiring memory, and a fine example to other young friends associated with our Church and Sunday school. In giving his life so cheerfully to his country's cause he has worthily completed an honourable life of service." Frank was the second son of Enoch Evans and ELiza Annie Rogers (Daughter of George Coley) of Granville House, 85 Hall Road, Handsworth, Birmingham.
|