Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John Wilkinson, a builder’s labourer, born 1857 in Oadby, Leicestershire and his wife Emma Wilkinson, born 1858 in Hertford, Francis John was born in the 4th quarter of 1896 in Middlesex, he had one sibling, a brother Herbert Sidney, born 1899 in Dipley, Hampshire, in March 1901 the family home was at Rotherwick Common, Rotherwick, Hartley Wintney, Hampshire. In March 1901 Francis was employed as a general labourer and was residing in the family home at The Valley, Asfordby, Leicestershire together with his father, a furnace man and his mother a general dealer.
The War Diary records: 13 Jan-16 - Patrols sent out at daybreak who reported small parties of enemy in the direction of the WADI RIVER. It was believed that the enemy were holding an advanced entrenched position with their left on the the Fort. Orders were issued for the Battn and the 56th (F.F.) RIFLES to drive back the enemy from the forward position and take up a line 800 yards or so beyond it to enable our artillery to shell the main position on the WADI RIVER. C and D Coy’s were in the firing line, A and B Coy’s in Reserve. The orders were carried out without encountering any opposition and the Battn dug themselves in. At 1.27pm report on enemy’s position was forwarded to Bde. At 2.17pm further report on enemy’s position forwarded. At 3.30pm the Battn with the 56th (F.F.) RIFLES on their right resumed the advance with orders to attack and occupy enemy’s main position along the WADI RIVER, thereby assisting the turning movement being carried out by the rest of the VII Div. Formation of Battn attack. Enemy opened fire at about 1100 yards range. The line continued steadily to advance until they got to within 450 yards of the enemy, by which time the Reserves (A and B Coy’s) had reinforced the firing line. Here a heavy fire was kept up on the enemy’s trenches which could now be seen extending along the whole length of the WADI. Ammunition was brought up and the Battn prepared for the assault. (Time about 4.48pm). At this stage the right flank of the Battn became subjected to enfilade machine gun and rifle fire. The assault was not carried out and the Battn dug themselves in with both flanks thrown back. About this time Major LEWIS was wounded and the Battn had suffered a loss of 3 other officers (Lt A. E. DAKIN, 2nd Lt R. W. G. CARD, 2nd Lt T. C. D. HASSALL all wounded) and 197 other ranks. Capt WEIR now in command. At 5.30pm and 8.00pm messages were sent by orderly to 28th Bde explaining the situation. As darkness set in the enemy’s fire developed into desultory sniping with occasional bursts of fire along different parts of the line. At about 11.00pm verbal orders arrived from Bde for the Battn to withdraw from its present position and take up a line 800 yards or so in rear in conjunction with the other units of the Bde, with a view to our artillery preparation being carried out the next morning. This withdrawal was carried out with no casualties, by 2.30am, and the Battn again dug themselves in.
On Friday February 18th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – DEATHS. WILKINSON.- Killed in action at Persian Gulf, Jan. 13th, Pte. F. J. Wilkinson, aged 19 years.
And in the same issue under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” –THANKS. Mrs. Wilkinson wishes to thank all kind friends for sympathy in her sad bereavement.
On Friday March 10th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – ASFORDBY VALLEY SOLDIER KILLED. - Mrs. Wilkinson, of The Valley, Asfordby, has received official news of the death of her son, Frank, which occurred on the 13th January, in the Persian Gulf. He enlisted in the 1st Leicesters three years ago, at which time he was employed by the Holwell Iron Co. He also attended the Council School on Asfordby Hill, from which there were four scholars in the ranks, Frank being the first to give his life in the great cause. He was home on leave last October, having been in the firing line over 12 months. On returning he was attached to the 2nd Leicesters. He was of a sunny and cheerful disposition, and much liked by all, and much sympathy is extended to his widowed mother, he being her only child. He was 19 years of age.
On Friday March 24th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” PRIVATE FRANK WILKINSON. The above is a portrait of Private Frank Wilkinson, of the 2nd Leicesters, whose death in the Persian Gulf, in January, was announced in a recent issue of the “Melton Times.” Private Wilkinson’s mother lives at Asfordby Valley, and he was previously employed at Holwell Works. (A photograph accompanied the article).
On Friday January 12th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES & DEATHS” – IN MEMORIAM. WILKINSON – In loving memory of Pte. F. J. Wilkinson, killed in action. Jan. 13th 1916. Mother and Auntie.