Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Joseph Denton, a shoe trade rivetter, born on the 19th May 1858 in Rushden, Northamptonshire and baptised on the 27th May 1860 in St. Mary’s Church, Rushden (son of Jesse Denton, 1838-1894 and Jane Parker, 1838-1901) and his wife Harriet Denton (nee Godrich, married on the 23rd September 1878 in St. Mark’s Church, Leicester), born on the 19th September 1860 in Leicester (daughter of Arthur Godrich, 1831-1888 and Lucy Phipps, 1837-1892). Frederick was born in the January quarter of 1899 in Leicester and baptised on the 8th March 1899 in St. Mark’s Church, Leicester, his siblings were, Jesse, an iron trade moulder, born on the 11th March 1885 and baptised on the 31st May 1885 in St. Mark’s Church, Leicester, Florence, born in the October quarter of 1889, Mary Ann, born on the 25th December 1891 and Agnes May, born on the 9th February 1894, all his siblings were born in Leicester, also residing with the family was Frederick’s paternal uncle, Wilfred Denton, a shoe trade rivetter, born 1883 in Leicester, in March 1901 the family home was at 34, Martin Street, St. Alban’s, Leicester. Frederick’s sister Florence died in the General Infirmary, aged 18 years in July 1908 and was interred on the 11th July 1908 in Gilroes Cemetery, Leicester and his mother died at 34, Martin Street, Leicester, aged 49 years on the 28th September 1908 and was interred on the 3rd October in Gilroes Cemetery, Leicester. In April 1911 Frederick was a schoolboy and was residing in the family home at 34, Martin Street, Leicester, together with his widowed father, a boot trade rivetter and his siblings, Jesse, a boot trade rivetter, Mary, a hosiery trade machinist, Agnes, a hosiery trade machinist and Harriett Jane, a schoolgirl, born on the 22nd February 1903 in Leicester. On the 5th August 1911, Frederick’s father married Alice Barnacle (nee Clarke) in St. Luke’s Church, Leicester, Alice was born on the 11th September 1866 in Leicester (daughter of John Clarke, 1841 and Mary Norman, 1841).
FAMILY NOTES: Frederick also had the following older siblings, Joseph, born on the 15th August 1879 and Alfred, born on the 14th September 1881, both siblings were born in Leicester.
Frederick enlisted/attested into the Territorial Force on the 26th March 1915 in Leicester, and was allotted the regimental service number 4316. He gave his present address as 65, Warwick Street, Leicester
His medical history was compiled during an examination that took place in Leicester on the 26th March 1915 and recorded his birthplace as Leicester, declared age as 18 years 7 months, trade or occupation as clerk C.W.S., that he was 5-feet 5¾ inches in height, weighed 104 lbs, had a chest measurement of between 31 and 33 inches, his vision was described as R.E.D6 - L.E.D6 his physical development was described as [not recorded]. Enlisted at Leicester on the 26th March 1915. Joined on enlistment 4th Bn. Leicestershire Regt.
His medical inspection record gave his full name as Frederick Denton, his apparent age as 18 years 7 months, his height as 5-foot 5¾ inches, his chest measurement as 31 inches to 33 inches, his vision as D.6. D.6. and his physical development as good.
He was certified as fit for the Territorial Force. Date 26th March 1915. Place Leicester.
His description on enlistment recorded his apparent age as 17 years, height 5-feet 8¼ inches and chest measurement of between 30½ and 33 inches.
He gave his next of kin as his father, Joseph, 65, Warwick Street, Leicester.
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 26/3/15.
Posted. To 3/4th Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 26/3/15.
Embodied service commenced. 26/3/15.
Transferred. To 1/4th Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 24/10/15.
Embarked. From Southampton. 27/10/15.
Disembarked. At Rouen. 28/10/15.
Arrived. At 46th North Midland Division base Depot. From front. 29/12/15.
Appeared before A.D.M.S. Medical Board, Rouen. (Under age classed P.B.) 31/12/15.
Transferred to England. Per S.S. Duchess of Argyle. 13/1/16.
Discharged. Under K.R. Para 392 (VI A). Being under the age of 17 years. 4/2/16.
Description at the time of Discharge.
Age 16 years 11 months, height 5-feet 6 inches, chest measurement of between 31 and 33 inches his complexion was described as fresh, he had grey eyes and his hair colour was fair. His gave his trade as clerk. The following distinctive marks were noted, [none recorded]. He gave his intended place of residence as 65, Warwick Street, Leicester.
Summary of Service.
Home Service. 26/3/15 – 27/10/15. 216 days.
France. 28/10/15 – 15/1/16. 80 days.
Home Service. 16/1/16 – 4/2/16. 20 days.
Total Service. 316 days.
Frederick enlisted/attested into the Regular Army on the 19th February 1917 in Leicester, and was allotted the regimental service number TR/5/110435. He gave his age as 17 years 11 months. His marital status was given as unmarried and his trade or calling as dye fitter. He gave his present address as 65, Warwick Street, Leicester.
He confirmed that he had previously served with 4th Bn. Leicestershire Regt., No. 4316, Pte. Discharged under age on February 4th 1916.
His medical history was compiled during an examination that took place in Leicester on the 21st April 1917 and recorded his birthplace as Leicester, declared age as 18 years, trade or occupation as dye fitter, that he was 5-feet 8¼ inches in height, weighed 118 lbs, had a chest measurement of between 30½ and 33 inches, his vision was described as R.E-V=9 – L.E-V=9 his physical development was described as [not recorded]. Enlisted at Leicester on the 19th February 1917. Joined on enlistment 87th Training Reserve Bn.
He gave his religion as Church of England.
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.
Enlisted. At Leicester. 19/2/17.
To Army Reserve. 19/52/17.
Mobilized. At Leicester. 15/9/17.
Posted. To 87th Training Reserve Bn., Catterick. Pte. 15/9/17.
Returned from Trade Test, Woolwich, unsuitable. 2/10/17.
Posted. To 87th Training Reserve Bn., Catterick. 2/10/17.
Transferred. To 4th Reserve Bn. Yorkshire Regt. Pte. 4/12/17.
Allotted. Regimental Service No. 43565.
Embarked. 30/3/18.
Arrived. “F” Depot. 30/3/18.
Transferred. To East Yorkshire Regt. Pte. 31/3/18.
Posted. To 1st Bn. East Yorkshire Regt. Pte. 31/3/18.
Allotted. Regimental Service No. 30057.
Joined. 1st Bn. East Yorkshire Regt., “A” Company. In the Field. 2/4/18.
Killed in action. In the Field. 16/4/18.
Summary of Service.
Total Service. 1 year 57 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: 16 Apr-18 – FRONT LINE. TRENCH MAP. WYTSCAETE 28. SW.2. 1:10:000.
5.00am very heavy enemy bombardment opened on our front line and on various barrage lines, chiefly in the valleys behind and at 5.30am the enemy launched a heavy attack against the line on our right and against “D” Company the right front Company. The 62nd Brigade was almost at once driven out of their positions and the right platoon of “D” Company under 2nd Lieutenant FOSTER were all killed or captured but the rest of “D” Company held fast all day although the enemy three times penetrated into their trenches. The disappearance of 62nd Brigade made the formation of a defensive flank necessary from “D” Company’s right O.14.d.2.5 approximately on-line NORTH HO – BLACK COT.
This was formed by “B” Company and 2 platoons of “A” Company being afterwards thickened by 1 Company of 15th DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY. During the afternoon the platoon holding NORTH HO 2nd Lieutenant WISBEY was heavily shelled by our own guns and had to evacuate. This point afterwards held up the left of the counter-attack.
At 7.30pm a counter-attack was launched by various troops of the 9th Division. The left consisting of 2 Companies NOTTINGHAMSHIRE & DERBYSHIRE REGIMENT were held up by NORTH HO but the centre 7th SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS penetrated in small parties through WYTSCAETE but eventually consolidated on North West slopes of hill.
On Saturday April 16th, 1921, The Leicester Daily Mercury published the following article on page 5, under the heading. – BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS. – IN MEMORIAM. – DENTON. – In loving memory of our dear brother, Fred, who was killed in France on April 16th, 1918, age 19. Just three years ago to-day. Since one we loved was called away; God took him home, it was his will. But in our hearts, we love him still. – From Sisters Mary, Agnes, Harriett, Maud, and Brother Jesse.
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