Frank Arthur BALL

Further information

Frank Arthur Ball was born on 28 April 1878, and was baptised on 26 July 1878 at Whitefield’s Memorial Church, Camden. He was the fourth of eleven children born to Thomas and Elizabeth Ball between 1873 and 1891.

Thomas was a fishmonger and poulterer, and Elizabeth sometimes a dressmaker.

When Frank was born, the family were living at 81 Regents Park Road, Camden. Subsequent Census returns show the family living at the following addresses:

1881 - 11 Clifton Terrace, Camberwell

1891 - 47 Waghorn Street, Dulwich

1901 - 81 Azenby Square, Camberwell

Frank Arthur Ball married Elizabeth Roberts on Sunday 31 July 1904 at St Clement’s Church East Dulwich.

They went on to have five children:

• Winifred Elizabeth - b. 23 June 1905
• Arthur Francis - b. 22 June 1909
• Frank Edward - b. 21 October 1911
• Albert Henry - b. 06 February 1913
• Ida May - b. 10 May 1915

At the time of the 1911 Census, Frank and his family were living at 106 Kilmorie Road, Forest Hill. His occupation is shown as Assistant Superintendent at the London and Manchester Industrial Assurance Co Ltd.

Military Service

British Army WW1 Service Records show that Frank Arthur Ball was enlisted to the 23^rd Battalion London Regiment on 02 November 1915. At this time, he was aged 37 and living with his wife and five children at 2 Llanover Road, Plumstead. His occupation is given as Insurance Agent.

He is described as 5ft 3½” tall, weight 107lbs, chest 34½” and good physical development.

His service record shows:

• Home 02 November 1915 to 24 June 1916
• Expeditionary Force France 25 June 1916 to 02 December 1916
• Salonika (?) 03 December 1916 to 14 June 1917
• Egyptian Expeditionary Force 15 June 1917 to 30 March 1918 when he was killed in action.

He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal

On 26 September 1918 Elizabeth Ball was awarded a war pension of 37/11 a week for herself and her five children, effective from 21 October 1918.