World War 1 Forum with Thanks
Medal Index Card
Wellington College
Memorial Panel
Captain Frank Ernest Watkin's Will
Frank Ernest Watkin was born on the 30th October 1885, at 40 Hans Place, Woolwich, London, the son of the late Colonel H.S.S. Watkin, C.B., Royal Artillery, and his wife.
Frank was educated at Wellington College, before going on to Sandhurst. Appointed Second Lieutenant from Gentleman Cadet from the Royal Military College, joined the 2nd Battalion, at Aldershot, then Sandhurst on the 15th August 1905, then Appointed Lieutenant 4th September 1909.
Frank then served in India with the 1st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, then returned home to Portsmouth, whilst the 2nd Battalion went to India.
Before the outbreak of the War, he was responsible for the training of the battalion machine gun section, which he commanded with great ability.
The 'young Watkin' was a lover of mechanics, Motor cars, aeroplanes, and every form of machine held a strong interest for him and he was never happier. He was a very keen on sports, and was a keen and useful polo player. Watkin represented the Regiment in many polo tournaments in India, and reached the semi-final of the Infantry Tournament at Delhi in 1913, only sickness, prevented him playing in the final.
He kept a diary which has been reproduced in the St George's Gazette
Went to France with initial draft of the 1st Battalion on the 13th August 1914, from Southampton, and embarked on the S.S. Norman at 4pm. They arrived at Le Havre on the 14th August at 3am. Disembarked at 5am.
Invalided home in September, he was the Machine Gun officer, and he has left a detailed account of the action in the 'St George's Gazette in Vol XXXII page 195 [December 1914].
He then re-joined the Battalion in November 1914. Was appointed Temporary Captain 15th November 1914, then Captain on the 17th December 1914.
He was Mentioned in Despatches on the 17th February 1915, by Sir, [now Lord], John French for gallant and distinguished conduct in the field.
On 1st January 1915, the battalion were in trenches at Kemmel and were heavily shelled both in the morning and afternoon. During the course of the day, the battalion suffered three killed and six wounded, one of the killed being Frank Watkin, who is likely to have been killed by shellfire. He was 29 when he was killed.
He is remembered at Alnwick in A11.43 page 5
He was also remembered at the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield Lock, with a brass plaque. His father the late Colonel H.S.S. Watkin was a former superintendent of the factory.
Source: Newcastle Journal Friday, 20/08/1915
