Private Frank Holland (or Hulland) of London Terrace and Saxon Lea, Chapel Street, Galgate nr Lancaster.

Frank Holland was born in 1897 in Holme, Westmorland. In 1911 he was recorded as living at 5 London Terrace Galgate and was working as a 14 year old Bobbin Doffer at the silk mill. His parents were listed as James 42, a railway platelayer and his mother Ciceley aged 41. His siblings were Charles Thomas (16), Jane (11), Emily (9) and Gilbert (3)

Frank enlisted in Lancaster and was sent to France in February 1917. On the 23 May 1917, the 2/5th Kings own were part of 170 Brigade, 57th Division and were on trench duty in the Boutillerie sector having relieved 4/5th Battalion of the Loyal Regiment.

Frank however was not to die in the trenches: Frank was accidentally killed by his best friend on the evening of the 23rd May 1917- His friend (whose name has not survived) was cleaning his rifle near Frank and did not follow the correct drill. The rifle fired and fatally wounded Frank who died in 2nd Australian Casualty Clearing station 2 hours later.

One tragic story is reported using letters sent back from the front. Mr and Mrs Holland of Galgate had received news from the Army chaplain of the accidental death of their son, Frank, in May 1917. The padre describes how he was brought into the Casualty Clearing Station and how he had asked that a letter be sent to his mother to send his love. A couple of hours later he had passed away.

The Padre who wrote to his family said: “I saw him soon after his arrival and he was then quiet conscious, he asked me to write to him and give you his love. I do not know if he realised if he was dying. I saw him again 2 hours later and he was unconscious, he passed away just before midnight. The end was quite peaceful. I was with him at the time.” 

In a later letter from Capt. Satterthwaite the parents are told of the accidental shooting of Frank by his comrade: "There had been an inquiry into the affair, and there was no doubt it was a pure accident. The two lads had been pals, and had left Aldershot together, and had never had a quarrel."

A third letter came from his pal: "It is with great regret I write to express my sorrow for the accident which happened on the 23rd. I was cleaning my rifle, and replaced the magazine before closing the bolt, and so fired the round. It was a great mistake, and a great misfortune. Your son and I have been the best of pals of many months, and for a good bit next to each other in the line. I am sorry for the trouble which has come to you. It will take me a very long time to forget it. I will close with best wishes and hope you will forgive me for the trouble I have brought you."