Blackmore. Remembering Frank Monk

Commemorated on Blackmore's Poppy Trail: November 2018

Frank James Monk

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

Rank: Corporal

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

Service Details: -

Personal and family information: Frank James Monk was baptised 7th 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 28th 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 29th 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 25th April 1920.  Frank’s profession given was ‘Labourer’. [ERO D/P 266/1/11]. Frederick James Monk (first name entered incorrectly) died in Charing Cross Hospital and was buried 9th March 1921.  He was 26 years old.  [Burial Register in Church Safe]

Date of Death: Buried 9th 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.