Frank Edward's Story.
EARLY LIFE
Frank Edward Slater was born in 1896 and baptised at Christ Church, Macclesfield, on 7th June 1896, the son of Jane and John William Slater, a coal dealer of Great King Street, Macclesfield.
By 1901, the family had moved to 17 Church Street West in Macclesfield, and Frank had a younger sister, May. Sadly, Frank's mother died on 7th March 1903.
Ten years later in 1911, the family had moved again to 33A Mill Lane. Frank's father, William, now lived with his children Sarah Ann (aged 33, who filled in the census form), Joseph (29), William (27), James (25), Harriet (22), Arthur (19), Elizabeth Jane (17), and Frank (14), who was employed as a dyer.
WW1 SERVICE
Frank attested at Macclesfield on the 8th August 1914, immediately following the declaration of war, joining the 3rd Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment (Special Reserve). His army records show him to have been a man of 5 feet 3½ inches tall, weighing 119 pounds with a chest measurement of 32 inches. He had blue eyes and auburn hair, his religion was Church of England, and at that time he was employed as a silk dyer at Mr Duckworth's Dyeworks in Knight Street. His next of kin was named as his father, John William Slater, of 36 Roe Street, Macclesfield.
Whilst undergoing training at Crosby in January 1915, Frank was reprimanded twice: once for being absent for almost 24 hours and a second time for overstaying his leave by almost 2 days.
Frank embarked from Southampton on 13th April 1915 and five days later joined the 1st Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment at Zillebeke. 'C' Company was divided on 31st May: 2 platoons went to '51 Dugouts' and 2 platoons to a new position in the Maple Wood.
Frank died of wounds on 16th June 1915 during the Second Battle of Ypres. His death was reported in the Macclesfield Courier newspaper of 26th June 1915:
PRIVATE F E SLATER: DIED WHILST DOING HIS DUTY
We regret to report the death of Private Frank Edward Slater, who has been killed in action. He was the son of Mr Wm Slater, who resides at 36, Roe Street, and was 19 years of age. Prior to his enlistment he was employed as a dyer at Mr Duckworth's Dyeworks in Knight Street. He enlisted on 7th August, and after undergoing a course of training at Birkenhead went to the front in April. The information of his death is contained in the following letter from his company sergeant-major, which was received by Mr Slater on Monday morning.
"C" Company, 1st Batt. Cheshire Regt
British Expeditionary Force,
June 17th, 1915
Dear Mr Slater - It is with sincere regret that I have to inform you of the death of your son Private Slater. He died a noble death fighting for his King and the country he loved so well, and his death has caused grief to his comrades, amongst whom he was a general favourite, both for his genial temperament and his sterling qualities as a soldier. At the time of his death he was on listening patrol and was only 25 yards from the enemy, and this, you will see, is a very dangerous duty. I might mention that I had been speaking to him about 5 minutes before he was hit; he thought he had seen some movement of the Germans, and sent for me to go out to the spot, and it was whilst in performance of this duty that he met his death. I might also say that I had his name down for promotion after this set of trenches. He always willingly set about any duties that were given to him to perform, and the officers, NCOs and men of the company wish me, on their behalf, to offer to yourself and family their deep and sincere sympathies in this, your sad bereavement.
It may be some little consolation to you to know that we have dug a grave in a nice quiet spot, and we buried him with full military honours, and a cross has been erected over his grave showing his number, name, and regiment.
I remain, yours sincerely,
A HAYES
Company Sergeant-Major
It seems that although the location of Private Slater's grave was known when he died in 1915, subsequent fighting must have taken place in the same location and the grave marker was lost.
COMMEMORATION
Private Frank Slater has no known grave and is commemorated on panel 22 of the Menin Gate memorial at Ypres in Belgium.
In Macclesfield, Frank Slater is commemorated on the Park Green, Town Hall, St Michael's Church, and Park Street Methodist Church war memorials, and the Ancient Order of Foresters roll of honour.
Research by Rosie Rowley, Congleton.
Research by Rosie Rowley, Congleton.