Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
Frank was born c1896 the son of John and Jane Ann (nee Heptinstall) who married at Metal Bridge, Ferryhill on December 23rd 1882. P children were born to this marriage and all survived childhood.
The 1901 census shows the family living at accommodation at Metal Bridge. Father, John, is a coal miner/hewer. Frank’s siblings are Dorothy, Alice, John, Lily, Joseph, Ralph and Mary most of whom are of school age.
By 1911 there has been yet another addition to the family, a son, William, who was born in 1904. The family is now growing up with Joseph employed with telephone work (underground) whilst Frank is a driver. The family home is located at 51 Ramsay Street, Tursdale.
There is very little information about Frank’s military service until details of his death become available.
He enlisted at Hartlepool originally serving with Durham Royal Garrison Artillery as No. 5973. The 149th Siege Battery was formed on May 22nd 1916 in Hartlepool from a nucleus of the Durham Royal Garrison Artillery personnel hence Frank was transferred there with service number 166081. The battery was posted to France on August 21st 1916.
On October 5th 1917 a telegraph was sent from 6 General Hospital, Rouen reporting on Frank’s condition. It stated that he was "dangerously ill. May be visited" He died the following day of wounds.
His headstone has the following inscription:- Worthy of everlasting love”
His father was entitled to a pension of 14/- per week as from April 16th 1919.
Medals: British War Medal and Victory Medal
Frank Wood is remembered at Tursdale on T62.02
