Peter Wise and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
Frederick was born at Startforth on September 21st 1877. He was the son of George and Jane (nee Brown) who both predeceased him. His father in 1882 and his mother in 1914.
1881 census shows the couple had 9 children together up to this time. Father George was a quarryman. The children included Christina, John (flax mill worker) Edward (blacksmith’s labourer) who died 1908, George, Jane, Alfred, Janet, and Catherine.
At the age of 14 Fred was a page with the Nelson family at Barnard Castle. It appears to have been a wealthy household as they also employed a cook and a housemaid.
At the age of 15 Fred joined Royal Navy as number 169626. He began service on September 26th 1892 signing on the crew of HMS Impregnable. His occupation was listed as being at school, perhaps naval school. On his entry papers he enlists for 12 year. In fact he served for at least 20 years. His enlistment details show him to be 5’‘3”tall with light hair, blue eyes and a sallow complexion.
The 1901 census has Fred listed as crew member (yeoman of signals) aboard 1st class battle ship Sans Pareil. The ship was docked at Sheerness at that time where she resumed duty as a guard ship.
Fred served on many, many ships. He worked as a signaller and eventually became Chief Yeoman Signaller. His conduct throughout his service was recorded as being very good.
He signed off HMS Cochrane July 2nd 1907 then later he passed an examination on March 2nd 1909 to be a Petty Officer.
For whatever reason when war broke out in August 1914 he re-enlisted soon afterwards but with the army rather than the navy.
The report given in the Teesdale Mercury by his brother at the time of his death describes his rank as being a Quartermaster Sergeant in the Royal Engineers. He was trying to help his wounded comrades when he was killed.
He was described as being a 'brave and fearless soldier'.
Frederick Urquhart is remembered at Barnard Castle on B135.02, B135.23 and B135.25
