Frank Houchen

Born: 25 September 1889

Died: 11 November 1919

Rank and Regiment: Able Seaman J57283 in the Royal Navy

Resting Place: St. Peter’s, Reymerston, United Kingdom

Memorial: St. Peter’s, Reymerston, United Kingdom

Frank Houchen was born on 25 September 1889 at Great Ellingham, the son of William and Emily Houchen of North Green Farm. In 1911 he was living and working at home on his parents’ farm in Reymerston. He joined the Navy on 22 August 1916 (J57283). At that time he was 5’5” in height, chest 38”, brown hair, blue eyes and had a scar on the top of his head and right eye.

He began his service at “HMS Pembroke” (a shore establishment) in Chatham, then moved to Europa, St George, Latona and Egmont before returning to “Pembroke” in March 1919 after the war ended. He was discharged on 18 March 1919 and worked as a milkman.

He died of lymphadenoma on 11 November 1919 and according to his death certificate he had been suffering from it for 12 months, since before he was discharged from the Navy. He left his effects to his father William (£338 14s 5d). He was buried in Reymerston churchyard on 15 December 1919. The family later moved to Yaxham where William and Emily died in 1934 and 1942 respectively.

Frank’s brothers Leonard and Philip also served in the Great War, but returned home safely.

Reymerston St. Peter