Frank's Story.
EARLY LIFE
Frank Latchford was born in Macclesfield on 7 March 1892, the son of Elizabeth (née Norbury) and John Latchford, a cotton weaver. In 1901, nine-year-old Frank was living at 2 Hobson St, Macclesfield with his parents and siblings Alfred (22), John (7), Elizabeth (3) and Alf (1). Frank was educated at Centenary (Brunswick Wesleyan Church) and Lord Street schools, Macclesfield, and in 1906, after leaving school and working as a silk piecer, he attended Macclesfield Technical School to further his education.
By 1911, Frank's father had died; the family was then living at 59 Arbourhay Street, Macclesfield and Frank was employed by a brewery.
Frank's mother later lived at 61 Arbourhay St, Macclesfield.
WW1 SERVICE
Frank enlisted with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and is thought to have been in training at Kinmel Park when he became ill with asthma. He was treated in the military hospital at Kinmel Park but died on 6 February 1917. His death was announced in the Macclesfield Times on 16 February 1917:
LATCHFORD – February 6th, at the Military Hospital, Kinmel Park, St Asaph, Frank Latchford, aged 24 years.
COMMEMORATION
Private Frank Latchford is buried in grave ref. X. 19357 in Macclesfield Cemetery. His mother asked for a cross and the words “Peace, perfect peace” to be added to his headstone.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission holds casualty details for Private Frank Latchford, and he is listed on the Imperial War Museum’s Lives of the First World War website.
In Macclesfield, Private Frank Latchford is commemorated on the Park Green, Town Hall and St Michael’s Church war memorials.
SOURCES
GRO (England & Wales) Index: Births
Census (England & Wales): 1901, 1911
National School Admission Registers and Log-books (FindMyPast)
WWI British Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects (Ancestry)
Commonwealth War Graves Commission website
Macclesfield Times: 16 February 1917
Research by Rosie Rowley, Macclesfield.