Frank Sumner Wright

A Deck Hand with H.M. Trawler Birch, Frank died on 23rd of August 1916 at the age of 23. 

Frank was born at Lowestoft on 18 August 1890, a son of Thomas Bowler and Annie Wright. In 1891 his family lived at 113 Bevan Street. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 25 May 1892. By 1911 his mother had died and his father lived at 57 Essex Road. 

In 1911 Frank was a deck hand on the trawler may, LT 573, at Padstow. 

On 27 December 1915 Frank married Eliza Ellen Smith at Saint Margaret’s Church. Frank was a fisherman and they both gave their address as 1 May Road. By 1916 they were living at 27 Sandringham Road. In 1918 Eliza married Frederick Setterfield and lived at 44 Stevens Street. 

Frank joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 8 April 1916, and served with the trawler Birch. On 23 August 1916 the Birch struck a mine, off Yarmouth, and sank. Three of the crew, including Frank, were killed.