Frank Nelson Wright

A Private with the 26th Battalion, Frank died on 9th of April 1917 at the age of 19. 

Frank was born at Lowestoft in 1898, a son of Herbert and Amelia Wright. In 1901 his family lived at 39 Tonning Street, and by 1911 they were living at 137 Raglan Street.

Frank was living at Camberwell, London, when he attested for the Army at Osterly Park, Middlesex. He joined the West Yorkshire Regiment, service number 47954, and served with the 1st Battalion in France. He was transferred to the Northumberland Fusiliers, service number 34864, and posted to the 26th Battalion (3rd Tyneside Irish).

On 9 April 1917 the 26th Battalion supported the 24th and 25th Battalions of the Northumberland fusiliers in the attack at Arras. The attack began at 5.30 a.m. The preceding battalions were held up by machine-gun fire but in the afternoon the 26th battalion were able to reach their objectives. Further advance was not possible due to heavy machine-gun fire from Gravreller Weg. 

Three officers and 52 men of the 26th Battalion were killed in the attack, including Frank.