Peter Wise and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
Frederick Thomas was born at Brighton in 1875 the son of Frederick and Mary Elizabeth (nee Harker). The couple married at Abingdon in 1874. The couple had four children together but sadly 2 died. The surviving children appear to be Fred and his sister Annie whilst Louisa and Edith are the two who died.
The 1881 census shows Fred’s father was an army pensioner. The family lived together at Hove, Brighton There was also a boarder staying there.
Frederick had been attached to the military for many years before the war, being listed as resident at Brompton Barracks, Gillingham, on the 1901 census and again on 1911 census.
He had married Agnes Jude in January 1909 and the couple had three children – Frederick Harry Leslie (14th June 1909), Milicent Agnes (13th March 1911) and Ronald Ernest Thomas (18th September 1912). Fred was on the staff of the barracks at the outbreak of war and was well known in the town. He left to serve abroad in mid-1915.
The Teesdale Mercury reports his move in a short article on 06/10/1915 :-
Staff-Sergeant F. Wellman, military foreman of works, Royal Engineers, left Barnard Castle on Sunday, September 26th, by the 6.05 p.m train for overseas.
Soldiers’ Letters and War Items.
Shocking Death of Sergeant Wellman, R.E., late of Barnard Castle which was such a blow to his wife and little children.
Yesterday morning Mrs Wellman, 3, Coronation-street, Barnard Castle, received the following letter officially announcing the accident which resulted in the terrible death of her husband, who was recently regularly employed at the barracks and who left this town sixteen weeks. Since last Sunday the utmost sympathy is extended to Mrs Wellman, who was expecting her husband at home on leave of absence, and was looking forward to a happy reunion. The communication is signed by H. G. Pyne, Captain and Adjutant, and reads as follows :—
“ In the Field, 14th January, 1916:
Dear Mrs Wellman It is my painful duty to inform you that Staff Sergeant Wellman, Royal Engineers, was accidentally killed this afternoon. No one actually saw it happen, but the following is what must have occurred. He had made a small acetylene gas plant to light his bedroom and office this afternoon. It apparently was not working satisfactorily. He went to examine it probably with a light. The container exploded, inflicting serious juries to his head, from which he died about half-an-hour afterwards without regaining consciousness. You have my deepest sympathy in your grief, and I know what you have lost. I knew Wellman about eight years ago at Chatham, and both then and now he has proved his worth to his corps and his country. It may be added that the deceased non-commissioned officer was a man of sterling integrity, and was most honourable and straightforward in all his dealings. “
Frederick died at No.7 Field Ambulance Station on January 14th 1916.
Frederick Wellman is remembered at Barnard Castle on B135.02, B135.23 and B135.25
