Frank's Story.
EARLY LIFE
Son of Thomas and Ann Start; husband of Hannah Start, of 9 Boothby St, Macclesfield. Born at Macclesfield.
WW1 SERVICE
L/Cpl Start’s death was reported in the Macclesfield Times on 10 May 1918:
The many friends of Corporal Frank Start, Cheshire Regt, will regret to learn of his death from wounds sustained in action. Thirty-five years of age, Corporal Start enlisted about two years ago and went out to France at the end of October 1917. He was wounded by gun-shot in the left shoulder on April 26th and was removed to hospital. Later he was transferred to Cambridge Hospital, Aldershot. His condition became critical, and his wife, who resides at 9 Boothby Street, visited him early in the week. Despite every medical care, he passed away on Wednesday.
As a boy, he was educated at Christ Church School… and regularly attended the Church. Prior to enlistment he was employed by Messrs Diggle and Ogden, solicitors, Manchester. Corporal Start took a keen interest in bowling, and was a member of the West Park Club. The funeral, of a semi-military character, will take place at the cemetery on Saturday.
L/Cpl Start’s funeral was described in the following week’s issue of the Macclesfield Times:
The funeral of Corporal Frank Start, Cheshire Regt, who died of wounds sustained in action, took place at the Macclesfield Cemetery on Saturday, semi-military honours being accorded. The coffin was covered with the Union Jack, and at the close of the committal service, conducted by the Vicar of Macclesfield (Rev H E Stevens), the “Last Post” was sounded by Scout Albert Parker, Christ Church Troop. The mourners were: Mrs Start (widow); Mr T Start (father); Messrs T, J and H Start (brothers); Mr Blackwell (father-in-law); Miss Roylance (aunt); Mr Walter Adams (uncle); Mr E Adams (cousin); Mr G Smith (brother-in-law); Messrs J Newton, W Blackwell, H Maydew, F Moores, J Mottershead, T J Donohue, W Pimblott, J P, E Birchenough, H E Hordern, R Atkins, and J Compstone. A large number of floral tributes were received. A memorial service will be held at the Parish Church on Sunday.
COMMEMORATION
L/Cpl Frank Start is buried in grave ref. B. 1571 in Macclesfield Cemetery. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission holds casualty details for L/Cpl Frank Start, and he is listed on the Imperial War Museum’s Lives of the First World War website.
In Macclesfield, L/Cpl Frank Start is commemorated on the Park Green, Town Hall, St Michael’s Church and Christ Church School war memorials.
NOTES
SOURCES
Commonwealth War Graves Commission website
Lives of the First World War website
Macclesfield Times: 10 and 17 May 1918
Research by Rosie Rowley, Macclesfield.