Born in 1899 at Stepney, son of William John (Coiner Operator at Royal Mint) and Ada Fry. 1911: A schoolboy living with his family at “Ellesmere” 16 Cleveland Road, South Woodford. He attended Bancroft’s School, and joined their Cadet Corps when it was formed in 1915.
On leaving school in 1915 he became a Clerk with the Union Discount Company of London Ltd, which had offices at 38 Lombard Street and 39 Cornhill in the City of London.
Having enlisted at Epping in 1916, he was called to join 8 London in 1917, however during basic training he was identified as Officer material and duly Commissioned into 10 London during 06-18. He joined that Battalion in France, but was subsequently attached to 24 London.
On 29th August 1918, 47 London Division was sent to the west of Maurepas to relieve 12 Division at the Front, and then continue the allied advance which would lead to the Armistice in November. 142 Brigade (which included 1/24 London), passed through the line held by 12 Division at 06.00 on 30th August 1918, and 1/24 London then made rapid progress towards the east. In fact they were forced to stop and await the arrival of troops from 58 Division before going on further and over the high ground to the south east of Hospital Wood. This rapid progress was not achieved without some cost. Wilfred Fry was wounded during the 30-08-18, and on 03-11-18 he Died of Wounds within one of the Military Hospitals at Rouen. The Armistice was signed eight days later.
He is also remembered on the memorial of the Union Discount Company.
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Sources:
Ancestry.com
Woodford Times
For more information on this individual please see The Old Bancroftian website.