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Private Francis William Gingell, 775872 - 38th Bn Canadian Infantry - From Wiltshire to Canada to France
29/10/2023
First World War Army Canadian
By Steve Calder

United Kingdom

Private Francis William Gingell
469981
View record on CWGC
Private Francis William Gingell (copyright unknown).

775872 Private Francis William Gingell -  Canadian Infantry - 38th Bn. Born in Derry Hill in Wiltshire and moved to Canada when he was around 17/18 years old.

Frank was part of the action at Vimy Ridge - part of the Battle of Arras in northern France. The main combatants were the Canadians against three divisions of the German Sixth Army. The objective of the Canadian Corps was to take control of the German-held high ground, along an escarpment at the northernmost end of the Arras Offensive. This would ensure that the southern flank could advance without suffering German fire.

Frank died 10th April 1917 from wounds - aged 25 years old. Frank is buried at the Barlin Communal Cemetery Extension. He was the son of George and Elizabeth Gingell and husband of Mary Gingell. He had a 16 month old daughter.

Derry Hill Church as Frank would know it