Dedicated to the memory of all the men and women of the South Staffordshire area who died during the two World Wars.
Frederick George Medlicott was born in early 1896 at Solihull where he was baptised on 9th February. He was the son of William Henry Medlicott, a coachman of Mill Lane, Solihull, and his wife Lilian.
By 1901 the Medlicotts were living in Blymhill Village. They were still there in 1911 when Frederick, now aged 15, and his older brother were working as garden labourers. By 1911 the Medlicott family consisted of eight children of which Frederick was the second.
Frederick enlisted in the North Staffordshire Regiment on 14th December 1914. He was transferred almost immediately into the 3rd Bn, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment). He went to France on 4th May 1915, probably with the 2nd Bn (the 3rd remained in the UK for the entire war), but his health began to fail soon afterwards. He was in hospital on several occasions suffering from influenza, bronchitis, neuresthenia and debility as well as for several minor gun-shot wounds to his hands.
In March 1917 he was returned to hospital in England, where he was diagnosed with Addison's disease and discharged. He was given a silver war badge (awarded to injured soldiers who had 'done their bit') and appears to have died in the spring of 1920 in the Wolverhampton area - probably at his parent's home, 25 Lord Street.
Private Frederick George Medlicott, 16341, Duke of Wellington's Regiment (previously 15964, North Staffs R.) was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.
Frederick's brother Gerald was also a war casualty - although he is not remembered on the Blymhill memorial. He enlisted in the KSLI in August 1915 but was discharged 7 Apr 1916 'Having made a mis-statement as to age on enlistment.' He subsequently re-enlisted in the Rifle Brigade (41091). He died on 26th Feb 1919 and is buried in a Commonwealth War Graves Commission grave at Winchester (West Hill) Old Cemetery. 'Son of William Henry Medlicott and Lilian Medlicott of 25, Lord St., Wolverhampton.' He was awarded the Victory and British War medals.
Frederick's older brother, William, had joined the Navy in 1912 but had been invalided out after six months suffering from heart disease. Another brother, Edwin, served in the RAF.
This memorial has mostly been compiled from official sources. It would be good to be able to expand it with more personal material - memories, stories, photos, etc. If you have any suitable material or any corrections please contact Greg.