STORER, Frank

Gunner Frank Storer
14051 Royal Marine Artillery

Frank was born on 9th April 1896 at Somercotes, Derbyshire son of John Storer, a colliery engine winder and Mary Elizabeth. In 1911 the family was living at Franklin Road, Jacksdale and Frank was working as a colliery pony driver. Frank had brothers and sisters Ethel, Arthur, John William, Elsie, Mabel, James and Harry.

Twenty days after his 18th birthday, Frank enlisted with the Royal Marine Artillery at Nottingham on 29th April 1914. He was 5′ 8″ tall and had brown hair, grey eyes and a fresh complexion. His record notes he had a scar on the eyebrow, on the bridge of his nose, two scars on his back and one of the inner side of his left ankle. He gave his next of kin as his mother Elizabeth of York Avenue, Jacksdale, his religion as Church of England and occupation as coal getter. He also stated he could swim and his swimming ability was tested on 16th July 1914. Initially training in the rank of Private, Frank was promoted to Gunner on 18th December 1914. He gained various gunnery qualifications and also a 3rd Class school certificate. His record just states that he was with the Royal Marine Artillery until 1916 but does not state where he served. However he was awarded a 1914 Star ( so he must have been engaged in the French/Flanders Theatre of War between 5th August and 22nd November 1914.) The Star was presented to him on parade in 1919 at Eastney Barracks, Portsmouth.

From the 14th October 1916 to 25th September 1918 Frank was serving aboard HMS Marlborough, an ‘Iron Duke’-class battleship, launched in 1912 at a cost of £2,043,437. In 1918/1919 Frank is listed on the Absent Voters Roll as absent from York Avenue and serving on HMS Marlborough. He was discharged to the Royal Fleet Reserve on 13th November 1919 and finally demobbed from the Reserve on 3rd June 1921 and awarded a £29 War Gratuity. He was also a recipient of the Victory and British War Medals.

Frank married Lillie Burnand, a Chichester girl on 20th September 1919 in Sussex and they made their home in Jacksdale. Daughter Kathleen soon followed, then sons Robert and Dennis. Frank later found employment as a fitter and engine man. His daughter Kathleen was a Women’s Land Army girl during WW2.