Frank Diamond

Rank 
Private
Regiment 
Norfolk Regiment
Date of death 
19 May 1917
Age of death 
33
Address 
5 Canfield Road
Woodford Bridge
Woodford
IG8 8JL
Address source 
1911 Census
Cemetery / Memorial 
France
Biography 

Born in 1883 at Plaistow, son of Francis (Shipwright) and Catherine Diamond. 1901: A Stevedore with his family at 63 Ravenscroft Road, West Ham. He would later take a job as an Attendant at Claybury Asylum Woodford Bridge.

On 7th June 1910 while at work in the Asylum, he saw one of the patients climbing a stack pipe. Realising the danger, five foot four and a half Diamond immediately followed the patient up the pipe and onto the roof about 37 feet from the ground. There he reached the patient and supported him until a ladder and rope were fetched, and the man was returned safely to ground level. For this action he was awarded the Albert Medal for Saving Life, which he collected from the King, and which today equates to a George Cross. During 18th December 1910 he married Margaret Jones at St Andrew’s Church Plaistow. In 1911 their home was at 5 Canfield Road, Woodford Bridge, and he was still working as an Attendant at the Asylum.   

He attested at Woodford under the Derby Scheme on 25th November 1915, was mobilised on 21st July 1916, joined the Expeditionary Force on 2nd January 1917, and served just over four months. By May 1917 the Battalion was participating in the Battle of Arras. At 21.30 on 19th May 1917 Frank Diamond died at 47 General Hospital from the effects of a gunshot wound to his left leg which he received in action. This was one of several General Hospital Units which operated at Le Treport North East of Dieppe.

It is not clear when Frank sustained the wound which would cost his life.

He is also remembered on the family grave at East London Cemetery.

Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian

Sources:

Ancestry.com

London Gazette

LCC Record of Service