Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Walter Prior, a photographer’s canvasser, born 1860 in Poplar, Middlesex and his wife Emma, born 1865 in Seaton, Rutland. Frederick William Walter was born in 1896 in Far Cotton, Northamptonshire, his siblings were, Minnie, a shoe trade binder, born 1884, Amos Albert, a shoe trade finisher, born 1885 and Eleanor, a shoe trade machinist, born 1886, the latter three siblings were all born in Great Easton, Leicestershire, Ida, born 1892 in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, Arthur Fielder, born 1897 and Gladys Emma, born 1899, the latter two siblings were both born in Boston, Lincolnshire. In March 1901 the family home was at East Park Road, Leicester. In April 1911 Frederick was employed as a shoe trade costing clerk and was residing in the family home at 26, East Park Road, Leicester, together with his father, a retired insurance agent, his mother and siblings, Amos, a razor factory labourer, Lily, a shoe trade fitter, Ida a shoe trade folder, Arthur, a shoe trade clicker and Gladys a schoolgirl, also residing with the family was Frederick’s cousin, Gladys Stanger, a shoe trade fitter, born 1895 in Great Easton, Leicestershire.
The War Diary records: 14 Sept-14 – BATTLE of the AISNE. A22 detailed reports, orders etc. were lost during period Oct. 29th – Nov 2nd. The Battalion acted as advanced guard to the Division and was directed to move N. over high ground between VENDRESSE and PAISSY finally reaching and taking CERNY-en- LAONNOIS, from which a retirement was ordered after dusk. The final position held being on the spurs running N.E. from VENDRESSE and PAISSY. The Battalion was relieved and withdrew behind (S. of) VENDRESSE during the night. Casualties. KILLED 11 other ranks. WOUNDED 10 officers. 180 other ranks. MISSING 1 officer. 162 other ranks. WOUNDED Lt. Col. J. PONSONBY D.S.O., Major C. J. C. GRANT, Capt. G. H. BROWN, Capt. G. J. EDWARDS, Lieut. G. K. F. SMITH, Lt. J. B. S. BOURNE-MAY, Lt. D. M. HALL, 2nd Lt. G. R. LANE, 2nd Lt. Hon. D. BROWNE, 2nd Lt. C. E. TUFNELL, MISSING 2nd Lt. Hon. G. FREEMAN-THOMAS.
On Saturday November 28th 1914 The Leicester Chronicle and Leicestershire Mercury published the following article under the heading. “LEICESTERSHIRE AND THE WAR.” MISSING LEICESTER GUARDSMAN. Mrs. E. Prior, of 26, East Park Road, Leicester writes to say that on 14th October she had an intimation from the War Office to the effect that her son, Private Fred Prior, No. 10307, 3 Company, 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, had been missing since 14th September, engagement not known. Although she has made every effort Mrs. Prior has since been unable to gain any tidings of her son, and she would be grateful if any other Coldstream could give her information concerning him.
On Saturday January 16th 1915 The Leicester Chronicle and Leicestershire Mercury published the following article under the heading. “LEICESTERSHIRE AND THE WAR.” – THE ROLL OF HONOUR. Private Fred W. W. Prior, No. 10307, 1st Batt. 3rd Co. Coldstream Guards, has been missing since September 4th. He was a member of St. Barnabas Church Choir, and the St. John Ambulance Brigade, and was side drummer in the Ivanhoe Band. His widowed mother, Mrs. Prior, 26, East Park Road, would be grateful for any news concerning him.