For the Future.

It is our hope that in memory of Frank we will be able to successfully transfer the contents of this blog to a web site,which would then make it much easier to read and to a greater readership.

Acknowledgement.

I had long been curious as to how my Granddad, Frank Ward had earned his Military Medal, but the only thing my Mum (Frank's only daughter) knew was that he had rescued a comrade from no-mans land.  A visit to the National Archives website told me that when a medal was awarded there was also a written citation that went with it but was the responsibility of the recipient to keep it; no official record of the citation was kept.   So a few years ago I asked my Uncle Ken if he knew how Frank had earned his medal.  Not only did he have the original citation but also Frank's pocket diary for 1915.  My other Uncle (Stan) had three more diaries covering the war years and several letters and postcards from Frank to Ethel, sent from the Front.   So with my husband Gerald's help we transcribed all the diaries and letters. 
 
They have given a fascinating insight into Frank's war years and his relationship with Ethel and his fellow comrades.  I remember my Granddad as a modest and unassuming man and I wish I had spoken to him about his past but I don't suppose he would have told me half of what I have learnt from his letters and diaries.  I hope he doesn't mind the publicity too much!
 
Kathryn Lambert

Acknowledgement.

I am indebted to my niece Kathryn and her husband Gerald for all the hard work and enthusiasm shown in transcribing dads
diaries ,letters and postcards together with their help in transferring the text to the blog.

Obituary 1975.

Sadly Frank dies after a short illness at the age of 83 years to be followed by Ethel a year later at the age of 82 years.
They are survived by two sons, six grand children and three great grand children.

Local Newspaper Cutting.

Frank Retires 1957.

After a service of some 37 years with the Pearl Assurance Company he retires

A Local Newspaper Cutting.

1939 The Family Take a Holiday in Bournemouth.

Photo Frank and Ethel with Dorothy and Ken walking towards the sea front.
By this time the family had moved from Burnley to Exeter.

Frank and Ethel's Family.

This photo taken in 1931 shows the eldest son Stanley ,daughter Dorothy together with Kenneth the youngest.
By this time the family had moved from Tipton to Burnley

1928

British Legion Pilgrimage.

Frank accompanies the British Legion to the Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres

British Legion Guide Cover.

Inner Cover of Guide.

Menin Gate Memorial

This photo was brought back from France in 1928,which was soon after the memorial had been completed.

1920 Frank and Ethel get Married

The wedding service took place in St Giles Church in Willenhall,the church where he and Ethel worshiped before the war

26th April 1920. Frank is Demobilized.

Army Form B.2079