Frank Oswald Medworth

Early Life

Frank was the son of Joseph Medworth of Mortlake, Surrey and the late Caroline Medworth.

Service Life

Captain Frank Oswald Medworth served with the 2nd and 13th Battalions of the Manchester Regiment. Frank was commissioned on the 24 November 1914 and was quickly promoted. Frank landed in France on the 6 September 1915 before sailing to Salonika, landing in November 1915, where he was wounded.

Returning to active service, Frank won the Military Cross, ‘for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He commanded the right company in the assault and led his men through the various barrages with very few casualties.

He consolidated his lines with great skill and resource’ (London Gazette: 26 July 1917). Frank joined the 2nd Battalion for duty in Blairville, France on 12 May 1918. For his service in the army, Frank was also awarded the Allied Victory Medal, British War Medal and 1914-1915 Star. Frank’s medals can be seen in the Museum of the Manchester Regiment.

We Shall Remember Him

Frank was 35 years old when he was killed in action on 13 May 1918, just one day after arriving in France.

He is buried in the Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery - Souchez, France (Grave/ Memorial Reference – VIII. OI).

His Next of Kin Memorial Plaque is on display in the Museum of the Manchester Regiment in the Ladysmith Gallery memorial cabinet drawer 2.