Frederick Griffiths (1896 - 1917)

Frederick Griffiths was born at Tasley in 1896 and was baptised at Tasley Parish Church on 22nd November. He was the son of John Griffiths, a coachman, and his wife Amy Jane. The family lived at The Leasowes Cottage, Tasley. In the censuses of 1901 and 1911 John's occupation is given as 'Gardener (Domestic)' - he was almost certainly employed by Edward Acton of 'The Leasowes', the Lord of the Manor of Tasley.

After leaving school, Frederick went to work as a laboratory attendant. He attested at Bridgnorth in November 1915 and was mobilized the following June, joining the Royal Garrison Artillery.

Frederick arrived in France on 29th November, 1916, with the newly formed 195th Siege Battery. He was shot in the left leg on 26th October, 1917 and died of his wounds on 30th October. He is buried in the large military cemetery at Etaples.

Gunner Griffiths was awarded the Victory and British Medals.

TASLEY MAN DIES OF WOUNDS
[Bridgnorth Journal, 10th November, 1917]
Official information has been received that 102790, Gunner Frederick Griffiths, 195th Siege Battery, R.G.A., only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Griffiths, the Leasowes, Tasley, near Bridgnorth, died from gun shot wounds at No. 7 Canadian General Hospital, Etaples, on the 30th October, in his 21st year. In a letter from an officer expressing sincere sympathy with the parents the writer informed them that all that medical skill could do was of no avail. He was given every care and attention and made comfortable. He would be buried in the Etaples Military Cemetery. The Chaplain also wrote expressing warmest sympathy with the parents in their loss. He stated that their son was in hospital two days, and that in a talk with him the morning before he died he promised to write home and tell them he was thinking of them. The Sister asked him to tell them he was one of the best patients she ever had.