210923 Pte. Francis George Vie British Army 3rd Battalion Middlesex Regt (Cambridge's Own) from:Acton (d.4th June 1915) My Great Grandad was Pvt G7541 Francis George Vie enlisted in Hounslow Middlesex. We know he was in the 3rd Battalion Middlesex Regt (Duke of Cambridge's Own). He was as far as we know a Coal man who having had his horse requisitioned for the war enlisted himself. All we know is that he was in France from 18/05/15 and was killed on 04/06/15 near Ypres. He is buried in Ridge Wood Cemetery.
As for any other detail we have nothing other than a few family tales and half remembered stories. The reason being that his newly wed bride who had recently given birth to my Grandad got rid of any photos medals etc etc.
Francis' family saw little of her after his death and she herself died when my Grandad was a young boy. My father found his younger brother still alive in the 80's and he was able to tell my Grandad more about his dad and told him that he was shot in the head after looking over the top of the trench. I have a feeling this is possibly what most relatives were told!
Unfortunately, my poor research skills have not been up to the task of finding anything more about the Battalion's movements and activities during his very brief time with them.
Additional Information: | Since the last entry I have found out the following, he
Was an apprentice lead worker not coal man
He was in the reserve trenches in St Elois doing repairs when shot and died at a casualty station a few miles away and buried in the cemetery
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