Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John Seal, an agricultural labourer, born 1860 in Thurcaston, Leicestershire, and his wife Lavinia Seal (nee James, married in the 2nd quarter of 1882 in the Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire district), born 1859 in Thrussington, Leicestershire. Frederick Horace, was born in the 3rd quarter of 1896 in Thurcaston, his siblings were, Mary Bridges, a boot trade fitter, born 1883 in Belgrave, Leicester., John Edward, a farm carter, born 1885, Herbert Peter, a farm boy, born 1888, Robert Cecil, born 1892, Elizabeth May, born 1894 and Grace Lydia, born 1899, the latter five siblings were all born in Thurcaston, in March 1901 the family home was at Smith’s Yard, Main Street, Thurcaston. In April 1911 Frederick was employed as a farm labourer and was residing in the family home at Thurcaston, together with his father, a farm labourer, his mother and siblings, Robert, a farm labourer, Elizabeth, a shoe trade fitter and Grace, a schoolgirl. Frederick attested into the Army Territorial Force on a 1 year engagement on the 1st January 1915, he was allocated the service number 548 in Leicester. His record of service began when he was posted to the Royal Horse Artillery (Leicester Battery) as a Gunner on the 13/1/15. He died of pneumonia on the 25/1/15.
On Saturday January 30th 1915 The Leicester Chronicle and Leicestershire Mercury published the following article under the heading. “MILITARY FUNERAL AT THURCASTON.” – Gunner Fredk. Horace Seal, of the R.H.A., who died from pneumonia on Monday last, was buried with military honours at Thurcaston, on Thursday noon. The deceased son of Mr. John Seal, who enlisted only a month ago, was a well known figure in the village. Only 18 years of age, he was 6 foot 3½ inches in height, and was finely proportioned. Before enlisting he worked on the sewerage farm. On Thursday last he was laid up with pneumonia, and his death a few days later was deeply regretted. The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. Fisher Robson at the Wesleyan Church, and the body was interred in the churchyard, a large number of villagers attending the last sad ceremony. Twelve men of the R.H.A., under the command of Sergt. Hanson, formed the firing party, The “Last Post” being sounded at the close. Included in the floral tributes was an artificial wreath, subscribed for by the villagers.