Private Frank Hartwell
Army Number: 118431
Battalion: 3rd Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derbys) Regiment.
Born and lived at Hucknall, Nottinghamshire. Son of William And Sarah Hartwell, of 34, Washdyke Lane. Hucknall. He was a coal miner. prior to enlisting 24th February 1916 at Hucknall. Died of influenza at Sunderland War Hospital at 11 pm 12th July 1918, age 21.
“SHORT MILITARY CAREER. “DEATH AND FUNERAL OF PTE. FRANK HARTWELL.
“Another pathetic scene was witnessed at Hucknall last Wednesday when Pte. Hartwell, after only a few weeks of military life, was laid to rest in the cemetery. His death at Sunderland was due to failure of the heart’s action after an attack of influenza. He was the second son of Mr and Mrs William Hartwell, of 34, Washdyke lane, and worked at Linby Colliery. He was “combed” out of the pit, and, without entering an appeal, he set out to do his duty as a soldier on June 7, going to Sunderland to join the Sherwood Foresters in training there. A month later he was seized with influenza, and breathed his last on July 13, [sic] and was buried last Wednesday – exactly six weeks from entering the Army. When a telegram reached Hucknall, stating that he was dangerously ill, Mr and Mrs Hartwell and Miss Whyatt (his finance) travelled to Sunderland, but on their arrival, he had passed away. “The deceased, who was 21 years of age, gave promise of a useful life, and by his excellent character and faithfulness to his employers, he was held in high esteem, which was clearly proved by the large attendance at the funeral, notwithstanding the showers. He was a former member of the Boys’ Brigade, and well-liked everywhere. Being such a great favourite, Mr and Mrs Hartwell have received numerous messages of sympathy in their tragic bereavement, and to Miss Whyatt likewise, feelings of regret have been expressed on all sides. “The funeral service in the Parish Church and at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. T. G. Barber, vicar, scarcely a dry eye being noticeable amongst the sympathisers who assembled to pay their last tributes of respect. The hymn, “Jesu, Lover of My Soul,” was sung and the service was deeply impressive. At the cemetery, the Last Post was sounded, and a firing party from Derby gave the final salute for the departed. The bearers were men from the Hucknall Aerodrome.” He was the 21-year-old son of William and Sarah Hartwell, of 34 Washdyke Lane, Hucknall.
‘Hucknall Dispatch,’ 25th July 1918.
Buried: Hucknall Cemetery, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom. A. South. 335.
Private Frank Hartwell is also commemorated on the following local memorials:-
St, Mary Magdalene Church War Memorial, Hucknall, Nottinghamshire.
Titchfield Park War Memorial, Hucknall, Nottinghamshire.
