Tess McTiernan has provided the following:
Francis Joseph, one of twelve children, was born in May 1892 to Peter and Catherine Connor (née Loughran). The 1911 census shows Frank, aged 18 years, living with his parents and siblings at 1 Parkfield Terrace, Hare Law, Catchgate, Annfield Plain. The Catholics lived very near to St Patrick's Church, Dipton. Frank was working as a coal miner putter.
According to his service records, at the age of 24 years 8 months, Frank enlisted at Annfield Plain on 18 January 1916 and was attached to the 6th Battalion Durham Light Infantry. He served at home until July 1917 when he was transferred to the 1st Battalion, The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment.
Frank was posted to France on 20 July 1916 and was in action in the Battles of the Somme. Unfortunately Frank was posted missing and presumed dead on 26 September 1916. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Remembered with Honour
He is remembered in Dipton on D46.06 and in Leadgate on L65.01
