Blackmore Area Local History

Frank James Monk

War Memorial: Place and inscription
Blackmore War Memorial. Listed as survivor: Corpl. J. Monk Essex

Rank:
Corporal

Regiment:
Essex Regiment.  3^rd Battalion. Service No. 19208.

Service Details:
-

Personal and family information:
Frank James Monk was baptised 7^th October 1894 at All Saints Church, Doddinghurst. His parents were John, a labourer, and Caroline. The family lived in Doddinghurst [ERO D/P 112/1/5].

His younger sibling, Frederick Walter, was baptised at Blackmore on 28^th March 1897 which suggests a move during the intervening period [ERO D/P 266/1/11].

Frank Monk is recorded in the Sunday School ‘Scholars’ Admission Book’, age “29/8/1894” [ERO D/P 266/28].

1901 Census: James Monk, age 6, born Doddinghurst; son of John, ag lab, and Caroline, Fingrith Hall Rd.

Frank James Monk (aged 24) married Priscilla Jennings, of Ongar, at Blackmore on 29^th August 1918. He described his profession as “Corporal in Essex Regt.” [ERO D/P 266/1/12].

1918 Electoral Register.  Listed as “Monk. Frank James. Fingrith Hall Road” but recorded as ‘absent’ [ERO C/E 2/1/1].

The Parish Register records the baptism of Violet Constance, daughter of Frank James and Priscilla Monk on 25^th April 1920.  Frank’s profession given was ‘Labourer’. [ERO D/P 266/1/11].

Death:
Frederick James Monk (first name entered incorrectly) died in Charing Cross Hospital and was buried 9^th March 1921.  He was 26 years old.  [Burial Register in Church Safe]

Date of Death:
Buried 9^th March 1921

Age:
26

Where died:
Charing Cross Hospital, London
Not recorded on Essex Regiment Museum database of fallen during Great War.

Place of Burial or Commemoration:
St Laurence, Churchyard, Blackmore.
Pointed top headstone and footstone and kerb now badly weathered, but recorded in 1997 as: “To / the memory / of / Corporal Frank James Monk / (line unreadable) / who died from wounds received in the Great War (January) 1921 / aged (-ye)ars /”.  Footstone: “FJM / 1921 /” [ERO T/Z 151/109].  The month ‘January’ is transcribed incorrectly.

List of Sources:
Church Safe with grateful acknowledgment to the Vicar and churchwardens, Essex Record Office.