Frederick's Story.
Frederick was the son of Hannah Howarth (1871 - 1952), and step-son of Thomas Wilkinson (1867–1917). He was born to unmarried Hannah on 13th January 1899 at 15 Holly Bush Row, Wheelock Heath, Cheshire, six houses north of the Foresters Arms on Crewe Road in Winterley, and near the former Holly Bush Inn. The 1901 census shows him at the home of his grandparents Samuel Howarth and Jane nee Bickerton.
Frederick lived with his mother at his grandparents' home until 31st May 1903, when Hannah married Thomas Wilkinson at Hope United Reform Church, Sandbach. He had three step-brothers: George Albert Wilkinson (1903–1966), Cyrus John Wilkinson (1907–1978) and Thomas Wilkinson (1908–). After his grandparents' deaths in September 1912, the family moved back to Holly Bush Row, Wheelock Heath.
On 31st May 1915, at Macclesfield, Frederick enlisted with the 7th Cheshire Regiment, number 3741. He was only 16 years old, but gave his age as 19 years and four months. His attestation papers show that his height was 5' 7". He was later transferred to the King's Shropshire Light Infantry, with a different regimental number: 26311.
On 14th September 1916, he was posted to France. Two months later, he was wounded in action on 13th November, with gunshot wounds and shrapnel in his arm, leg and chest. He was returned to the UK a week later. He was discharged from the army on 4th July 1917 as medically unfit, and in need of out-patient treatment.
Frederick died in Wheelock Heath on 22nd November 1918. He was 19 years old.
Wheelock Heath Baptist Church, Hassall Road, Winterley
Frederick was awarded two medals for his service - the British War and Victory medals:
Frederick's medal card and image of replica medals
His stepfather Thomas had died in 1917. His mother Hannah did not remarry, and remained living at the house on Crewe Road, Wheelock Heath until her death in 1952.
Compiled by S. Lewington 2025
Frederick lived with his mother at his grandparents' home until 31st May 1903, when Hannah married Thomas Wilkinson at Hope United Reform Church, Sandbach. He had three step-brothers: George Albert Wilkinson (1903–1966), Cyrus John Wilkinson (1907–1978) and Thomas Wilkinson (1908–). After his grandparents' deaths in September 1912, the family moved back to Holly Bush Row, Wheelock Heath.
On 31st May 1915, at Macclesfield, Frederick enlisted with the 7th Cheshire Regiment, number 3741. He was only 16 years old, but gave his age as 19 years and four months. His attestation papers show that his height was 5' 7". He was later transferred to the King's Shropshire Light Infantry, with a different regimental number: 26311.
On 14th September 1916, he was posted to France. Two months later, he was wounded in action on 13th November, with gunshot wounds and shrapnel in his arm, leg and chest. He was returned to the UK a week later. He was discharged from the army on 4th July 1917 as medically unfit, and in need of out-patient treatment.
Frederick died in Wheelock Heath on 22nd November 1918. He was 19 years old.
Wheelock Heath Baptist Church, Hassall Road, Winterley
Frederick was awarded two medals for his service - the British War and Victory medals:
Frederick's medal card and image of replica medals
His stepfather Thomas had died in 1917. His mother Hannah did not remarry, and remained living at the house on Crewe Road, Wheelock Heath until her death in 1952.
Compiled by S. Lewington 2025