Oldham lad Frank is finally identified as an “unknown soldier” killed in WW1

Author Chris Foote-Wood, from Barnard Castle in County Durham, is heading off to Belgium later this month to dedicate a new gravestone for his great-uncle Frank Wood, from Oldham, who was killed in 1918, aged 28, while fighting in World War 1.

“My great-uncle was buried as an ‘unknown soldier’ in a military cemetery near Ypres," explained Mr Foote-Wood.

"But recently I was contacted by official researchers asking if he was the brother of my grandfather John Wood, who won the Croix de Guerre in the same sector of the Western Front in late 1917.

“Through previous family research I was able to show that Frank and John were brothers, with Frank two years the younger.

“Thanks to the work of the Ministry of Defence and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Frank’s grave is now to be re-dedicated.

"I have been invited to take part in a military ceremony at Vichte cemetery in Anzegem in Belgium on October 18, and I have also been given the great privilege of writing the dedication for his new gravestone.

"Frank will remain where he was laid to rest in 1918, but any other surviving relatives we find will be able to visit his grave."

Any relative of the Wood family, or anyone who knew them, is welcome to contact Chris via email at: chrisfootewood@gmail.com

Frank Wood was a second lieutenant with the First Battallion, Lancashire Fusiliers, known as the “Loyals”.

His elder brother John, who also fought in Palestine and at Gallipoli in the Dardanelles, was a sergeant with the Royal Engineers, 42nd Division Signal Company.

In civilian life he worked for the Manchester Post Office telegraph office, rising to head the department.

The trenches at the seaward end of the Western Front ran through Belgium where both men were stationed.

Sgt Wood was personally awarded the Croix de Guerre by King of the Belgians Albert I for his bravery and ‘conspicuous devotion to duty’ in rescuing a wounded comrade under fire in no-man’s land.

Mr Foote-Wood’s great-great grandparents, Frank and John’s parents, were William and Jane (née Harrison) Wood of 103, Higginshaw Road in Royton.

Mr Foote-Wood’s dedication to his great-uncle:

2nd Lt Frank Wood

“A Lancashire Lad”

Loyally he came to fight

and willingly he gave

his life for his country

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