Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
Frank was born in 1891, place of birth unknown, in March 1901 he was residing as a pauper in the Cottage Homes, Countesthorpe, Leicestershire. In April 1911 Frank was serving as a Private with the 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment and was stationed at Fort Saint George, Madras, India. Little is known relating to his early childhood, and it appears that his formative years were spent in the Cottage Homes for children prior to his enlistment into the Leicestershire Regiment.
No Army service records survive for Frank, what little is known is that he served with the 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment in India, and at some point also served with the 1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, being then transferred to the 1/6th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment. He embarked to join the British Expeditionary Force in France on the 12th October 1914, where on the 4th February 1917 he was recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions in the field. The citation in the London Gazette dated 26th March 1917 reads:- “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He personally supervised the removal of casualties, and his coolness set a splendid example to the rest of his company. He has on many previous occasions done fine work.” Frank was also awarded the 1914 Star, British War and Victory medals. He nominated Mrs. Elizabeth Franklin as his sole legatee. In April 1911 Elizabeth lived with her husband Thomas Robert Franklin in James Street, Blaby, Leicestershire. In 1939 Elizabeth, now widowed still lived at 3, James Street, Blaby.
The War Diary records: 4 Feb-17 – BIACHES. In trenches. Heavily bombarded between 12 (noon) and 5.40pm with three slight lulls – intense bombardment 5.40pm. Carnage on Front and Support and STETTIN lines and Communication Trenches. Raiding parties entered left of centre Company (“B” Company) at 6.15pm other parties on right and left stopped by Light Gun and rifle fire. S.O.S. signals sent up 6.15pm and Headquarters communicated with Brigade on telephone just as lines were out. Centre and left Companies moved up supports – found enemy already driven out at 6.25pm. Casualties 2nd Lieutenant F. J. T. BELCHER killed – Other Ranks 34 killed. 4 Died of wounds. 66 Wounded. 14 Missing. Opposed by 1st PRUSSIAN GUARD.
Feb-17 – ECLUSIER. APPENDIX: Immediate awards for the action of February 4th.
Captain R. A. KERR, R.A.M.C. attached. M.C.
2nd Lieutenant F. B. WILLIAMS. M.C.
2nd Lieutenant J. HARRISON. M.C.
No. 20343 Company Sergeant Major BILLINGTON, F. W. D.C.M.
No. 20839 Corporal McKAY, F. J. D.C.M.
No. 5563 Private WOSKETT, T. A. M.M.
No. 20253 Private EXLEY, C. H. M.M.
No. 1952 Private BENZING, T. M.M.
No. 2698 Sergeant CHANNING, W. M.M.
No. 1531 Lance Corporal BAYLISS, A. E. M.M.
No. 2624 Sergeant BARDELL L. Bar to M.M.
The War Diary records: 27 Aug-17 – ST. JULIEN AREA. Attacked at 1.55pm enemy position at WINNIPEG FARM and CEMETERY C.12.d.80 and D.7.a.28. Advance impossible due to state of ground and fire from Machine Guns and snipers in concrete emplacements. Captain BAXTER, 2nd Lieutenant’s AUSTIN and FARRINGDON killed. Captain PARTRIDGE, M.C., 2nd Lieutenant’s WILLIAMS, M.C., and SPENCER wounded. 2nd Lieutenant BETTS sick. Other Ranks, killed 25, wounded 120, missing 14. Relieved by 1/4th ROYAL BERKSHIRE REGIMENT about 10.00pm.