FRANCIS HITCHCOCK DUKE 1893–1970

Photograph from Radcliffe on Trent Local History Society

Brother of Frederick H. Duke

Born 24th May 1893 in Nottingham

Baptised 22nd July 1894 St Matthias’ Church, Sneinton. Home address: 32 Crown Street

Married September 3rd 1924 to Lily Agatha Grace Beckett at St Mary’s Church, Radcliffe

Died 5th November 1970, age 77

Known as Frank

1901 Census

Age 7 and living with father Joseph, 36, born in Somerset and working as an Asylum Attendant, mother Annie Mary born in Sneinton, Nottingham, 32, and brother Fred, 5. They lived at 32 Crown Street, Nottingham

1911 Census

Age seventeen employed as a clerk (printers supply). He lived with his family at Notts County Asylum, Saxondale, in the parish of Radcliffe on Trent. His father was Deputy Head Asylum Attendant, mother Annie Mary is shown on the census as attendant’s wife. His two brothers, Frederick, a clerk in the lace trade and Roland, five, at school, were also living with them.

Military Service

Rank: Private

Service Number: 508316

Military Unit: Royal Army Medical Corps

Theatres of War: Western Front (France and Flanders; Italy); Balkans. Date of entry unknown.

Date of enlistment: 1 October 1914

Medical category ‘A’

He served with the 1st City of London Field Ambulance Royal Army Medical Corps in Malta, Salonika, Italy and France.

September 1916 first malaria attack

October 1919 last malaria attack but had numerous relapses and incapacity of 3 days. Often had a slightly enlarged and tender heart. Later medical reports recorded further shivering attacks.

Pension

Pension awarded of 12 shillings (60p) per week until 9th September 1920 due to malaria, reducing to 8 shillings (40p) from 10.11.20 to 8.11.21 (20% disability). He received a final allowance of 7 shillings and 6 pence per week (37p) for 70 weeks from 9.11.21

Medals Awarded: British War and Victory. Received Silver War Badge no B301887

Military Personnel Address on 1918 Electoral Register

Notts. County Asylum, Radcliffe on Trent

1921 Census

Address: Notts County Asylum

Employment: printing, traveller for Bonaventure Press of Northampton

Household: Visitor

1922  Electoral Register

Address: Sydney Grove, Radcliffe on Trent

1939 Register

Address: No. 17 Council Houses, Cliff Crescent, Radcliffe on Trent

Occupation: Newspaper advertising

Household: living with wife Agatha Grace.

Other information

He served with the Auxiliary Fire Service during WWII. His wife, Lily Grace Beckett, was living at Rockley Villas, Back Lane, Radcliffe on Trent (1911 Census) with her grandfather John Holland before they were married.

Reasons for inclusion on the Radcliffe on Trent Roll of Honour

Lived and worked in the parish of Radcliffe on Trent