On this day in 1917, Private Frank Jasper was killed.

Private 36436

FRANK JASPER
1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment
Died age 24
4th March 1917

 Frank Jasper was born in Lezant, the son of William and Jane (nee Mayne) Jasper. In 1911, he was living and working on the farm of Thomas Trewin at Tolcarne in North Hill. Frank enlisted in the army at Launceston and entered the Worcestershire regiment, initially into the 10th Battalion but subsequently he was transferred to the 1st and travelled to France.

He was killed in action during an attack on German lines east of Bouchavesnes to the north of Peronne and the River Somme. This attack was part of many actions in the Ancre Valley prior to the withdrawal of the German forces to the Hindenburg Line. These attacks were strategically diversionary and were intended to keep German attention focussed on the Somme area while preparations continued for the Arras battle further north. The attack was carried out under a creeping artillery barrage and the German positions were soon won. Casualties suffered by the battalion during the day were 5 officers and 44 other ranks killed, 4 officers and 158 other ranks wounded and 1 officer and 11 other ranks missing. Those fallen who have no known place of rest, Frank amongst them, are commemorated on the Thiepval Monument (Panel Reference: Pier and Face 5 A and 6 C). His mother, Jane, was the sole legatee of Frank's will and she received £5 7s 3d from the War Office on 28th October 1919.

As well as featuring on the Stoke Climsland War Memorial, possibly because his mother came from Venterdon, his name also appears on the Lewannick War Memorial.

Lewannick War Memorial

Register of Frank Jasper's effects.