Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Frederick Tomblin, a farm cow man, born 1863 in Skillington, Lincolnshire and his wife Sarah Tomblin (nee Muggleton), born 1867 in Twyford, Leicestershire. Frederick Arthur was born on the 2nd October 1895 in Old Dalby, Leicestershire, his siblings were, Sarah Elizabeth, born 1889, Gertrude, born 1892, Annie, born 1894, Charles William, born in the 4th quarter of 1897 and Bertie, born 1900, all his siblings were born in Old Dalby, in March 1901 the family home was at Carters Cottages, Old Dalby. In April 1911 Frederick was absent from the family home at Carter’s Cottages, Old Dalby, residing there was his father, an agricultural labourer, his mother and siblings, Gertrude, a domestic servant, Annie, Charles, an agricultural labourer, May, a schoolgirl, born 1902, Dolly, a schoolgirl, born 1903 and Hilda, a schoolgirl, born 1905, the latter three siblings were all born in Old Dalby, also residing in the family home was his paternal nephew, John Ellis Tomblin, born 1907 in Old Dalby. Frederick had two elder sisters, Mary, born 1884 in Leicestershire and Fanny, born 1888 in Twyford, Frederick was employed as an agricultural wagoner, in the employ of farmer, Walter Emmerson, and was residing as a servant at Lower Grange Farm, Old Dalby. His younger brother Charles William also fell in action.
Frederick enlisted into the Royal Marines on the 28th December 1916, and was allocated the service number 1854. His medical examination recorded that he was 5 foot 5¼ inches in height, his complexion was described as fresh, his hair colour was light brown and his eyes were grey, it was noted that he had two scars on his forehead, and two scars on his left thumb, he also had a scar on the front of his left wrist and a scar on his right knee cap. He gave his date and place of birth as the 2nd October 1895 in Old Dalby, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, and his trade or calling as farm labourer, he gave his religion as Church of England. He gave his mother Sarah, of Old Dalby Lodge, near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire as his next of kin. His record of service commenced when he joined the Recruit Depot at Deal, Kent as a Private on the 28/12/16 – 21/4/17, when he was transferred. Portsmouth Division, 22/4/17 – 30/6/17, when he embarked. Royal Marine Brigade, 1/7/17 – 6/11/17, when he was killed in action.
The War Diary records: 5 Nov-17 – DAMBRE CAMP. Battalion relieved DRAKE Battalion in front line.
The War Diary records: 6 Nov-17 – FRONT LINE. Holding line and working parties. 45 casualties. Operation Order 92/1 issued.
The War Diary records: 7th Nov-17 – FRONT LINE. Battalion relieved by 2nd Battalion KING’S ROYAL RIFLE CORPS and proceeded to IRISH CAMP. Operation Order 92/2 issued.
On Friday November 30th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “DISTRICT NEWS.” – OLD DALBY. – LOCAL SOLDIER KILLED. – It is with deepest regret we announce the death of Private Frederick Arthur Tomblin (which occurred on November 6th), son of Mr. and Mrs. Tomblin, of Old Dalby. Deceased was 22 years of age and enlisted in the Royal Marines, December 21st 1916. He was drafted out to France on July 7th 1917. A memorial service was held on Sunday evening. The hymns “Nearer my God to Thee,” and “Rock of ages” were sung, and chrysanthemums were placed beneath the roll of honour by the school children in remembrance of an old school fellow. The deepest sympathy is felt for Mr. and Mrs. Tomblin, this being the second son killed in action.