War Memorial
Frank Faircloth was born in Leigh and baptised at St Mary's Church on 10th October 1886. He was the third son of Harry J and Alice Faircloth, who lived at Ivy House. His father worked as a wheelwright and carpenter, and by the time of the 1901 census the household included six sons and two daughters.
Frank enlisted at Tonbridge in Kent, joining the Royal West Kent Regiment under the number 4131. He later served as a Private, number 201449, with the 2nd/4th Battalion of the Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Sent to Egypt in July 1916, he fought in two engagements against the Turkish forces. He died of wounds received in action on 9th May 1917, at the age of 30. The War Office wrote to Mr and Mrs Faircloth with the news, and a death notice appeared in The Courier on 15th June 1917. He is buried at Deir El Belah War Cemetery in Israel.
Frank was not the only Faircloth son in uniform. Corporal Ray Faircloth, the sixth son, also served with the Royal West Kents. Having joined up when war broke out, he took part in the landing at Suvla Bay and, after the withdrawal from the Dardanelles, was landed in Egypt with the E.E.F. He was wounded in action and treated in hospital at Alexandria, where he was reported to be progressing favourably, aged just 21. Four other sons of the family were also serving with the Colours.
In the notice that followed Frank's death, Mr and Mrs Faircloth expressed their thanks to the friends who had offered sympathy in their bereavement.