Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Frederick Coulson, an iron trade worker, born 1864 in Derby and his wife Maria Coulson, born 1871 in St. Chads, Derby. Frank was born in 1891 in Litchurch, Derbyshire, he had one sibling, a sister, Annie, born in 1897 in Loughborough, Leicestershire, in March 1901 the family home was at 6, Buckhorn Square, All Saint’s, Loughborough. In April 1911 Frank was employed as a wood polisher and was residing in the family home at 93, Russell Street, Loughborough, together with his father, an iron trade worker, his mother and sister Annie, a hosiery trade worker.
FAMILY NOTE: Exhaustive research has failed to discover, the official birth record of, Frank, his parents or sister, nor can the record of his parent’s marriage be located.
Frank enlisted/attested into the Regular Army on the 1st September 1914 in Loughborough, and was allotted the regimental service number 12078. He gave his place of birth as Derby, Derbyshire and age as 23 years 9 months. His marital status was given as unmarried and his trade or calling as driller.
He confirmed that he had previously served with the 5th Bn. Leicestershire Regiment, discharged time completed.
His medical history was compiled during an examination that took place in Loughborough on the 1st September 1914 and recorded his birthplace as Derby, Derbyshire, declared age as 23 years 9 months, trade or occupation as driller, that he was 5-feet 6¾ inches in height, weighed not recorded, had a chest measurement of between 37 and 39¾ inches, his vision was described as normal his physical development was described as normal. Enlisted at not recorded. Joined on enlistment Leicestershire Regt.
His description on enlistment recorded his apparent age as 23 years 9 months, height 5-feet 6¾ inches weight 138 lbs, chest measurement of between 37 and 39¾ inches his complexion was described as fresh, he had grey eyes and his hair colour was brown. The following distinctive marks were noted, nil. He gave his religion as Church of England.
He was certified as fit for the Army. Date 1st September 1914. Place Loughborough.
He gave his next of kin as his father, William Frederick Coulson, mother, Maria Coulson, sister, Annie Coulson, 122, Freehold Street, Loughborough.
The compilation of events that occurred during his period of military service are taken from the following sources: - Casualty Form – Active Service (B.103). Statement of the Services of. Military History Sheet.
Joined. At Leicester. 1/9/14.
Posted. To Depot Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 1/9/14.
Posted. To 8th (Service) Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 24/9/14.
Awarded. 14 days detention for misconduct. 21/6/15.
Embarked. From Folkestone. 29/7/15.
Killed in action. Place not stated. In the Field. 27/11/15.
Summary of Service.
Home Service. 1/9/14 – 28/7/15. 331 days.
France. 29/7/14 – 27/11/14. 122 days.
Total Service. 1 year 88 days.
He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
SERVICE RECORD NOTE: In September 1940, as the result of a fire caused by an incendiary bomb at the War Office Record Store in Arnside Street, London, approximately two thirds of 6.5 million soldiers’ documents for the First World War were destroyed. Those records which survived were mostly charred or water damaged and unfit for consultation and became known as the “burnt documents.” As a consequence, the content and condition of the surviving records can range from good to extremely poor. The hand written information is, in some instances barely legible, and the number of pages that should comprise a full record, in some cases are either badly damaged or missing entirely, however where possible the available information has been transcribed so that it may at least offer the reader a little descriptive insight into some, if not all of the events and background information surrounding the period of service.

The War Diary records: 27 Nov-15 - TRENCHES LEFT SECTOR. Continuing clearing and draining fire support and communication trenches, also all sump pits, trench in much better state but still lacking trench gratings. Rebuilding dug outs and parados in all groups. Football match between 6th and 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT at BEILES -?- team were allowed out of trenches for the afternoon. Battalion of the MANCHESTER REGIMENT of the 91st Infantry Brigade arrived in BEILES and billeted there for a week’s instruction in and out of the trenches. Our artillery active between 10.00am and 1.00pm. Firing on W.24.c.0.8 and W.24.c.0.5., enemy replied with about 30 ‘whizz bangs’ bursting over group 7 and 8. 1 other rank badly wounded. Wind North, North Easterly, fine and cold.
On Tuesday, December 7th, 1915, The Leicester Mail published the following article under the heading. – LOUGHBOROUGH MAN KILLED IN ACTION. – Private Frank Coulson, aged 23, a Loughborough man, in the 8th Leicester’s, was killed in action on November 27th.