Corporal Frank Lowe
707 South Notts Hussars
Frank was born in 1892 at Westwood, Notts son of John Lowe, a bricklayer and Ruth (nee Hays). Frank’s siblings were William, John, Samuel, Sarah, Eliza, Annie, and Minnie. His brother John (Jack) is also listed on the Jacksdale War Memorial as having served in WW1. In 1911 Frank, occupation given as a blacksmith, is living with his widowed mother, brother Sam, a clerk, and sister Minnie.
Frank attested on 24th May 1911 at Greasley, Notts. He was aged 18 years and 10 months and his height is recorded as 5′ 7″. Next of kin given as Ruth Lowe, mother, of Ivy Lea, New Westwood, Jacksdale. The witness at his attestation was Sgt John David Worthington of Dale Farm, Jacksdale, service number 75 South Notts Hussars. The South Notts Hussars, a territorial force was a volunteer reserve and part of the British Army until 1920, when it became part of the Territorial Army. He took the oath and swore true and faithful allegiance to King George V. The Hussars were devised to be a home defence force and were part of the Notts & Derbys Mounted Brigade. Frank signed up for four years and agreed to be available for training and drills for between 8 to 18 days every year, for which there would be a £5 fine for non attendance. Training could be extended to a maximum of 30 days in any one year but only by order of the council. In the case of imminent national danger or other such emergency Frank could have been called up to be embodied but would only be asked to serve for a maximum of 12 months if his army service was due to expire. He would be liable to serve at any place within the U.K. but only overseas if he volunteered to do so. When WW1 later broke out, only 10% of territorials actually volunteered to serve overseas.
Frank served at home until April 1915. From 12th April 1915 until 21st May 1916 he served overseas with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force for 1 year and 40 days, returning home on 22nd May 1916. On 27th May 1916 he was discharged under para xx1 King’s Regulations ‘on the termination of his period of engagement’. He was awarded the 1914-15 star, the British War and Victory Medals. His Medal Rolls Index Card notes that he first served in Egypt.
In 1920 Frank married Nellie Barton of Main Road, Jacksdale. They had children John (Jack), Elsie and Margaret.
Frank’s father John died in 1902. His mother Ruth died in 1928, aged 78. They are buried at St. Mary’s, Westwood. Frank died in 1977.