Frederick C Baldwyn was killed in action on this day in 1916

Frederick Baldwyn was born in 1893 Conderton, Worcestershire, one of five boys. His father, Frank Baldwyn, originally from Aberdeen, ran a market gardening business with his wife Florence out of Fleet Farm, Finchampstead.

At the outbreak of war in 1914, Fred was living on the farm and working as a labourer and bricklayer.

In September 1914, he enlisted at Salisbury into 1/4th Bn Hampshire Regt.

Sent overseas on 18 March 1915, he travelled to Mesopotamia, joining up with his battalion en route from India.

Fred was killed in action near Kut al Amara on 21 January 1916.

Fred was single. He has no known grave and he is now commemorated on the Basra Memorial.

Brothers in Arms

Frederick's oldest brother Harry (born 1888) had emigrated to Australia in 1913.

Another brother Arthur (born 1891) was killed on 26 September 1917 and is buried in the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinge.

His youngest brother Harold (born 1899) joined the navy age 15 in May 1914 and survived the war.

There was a fourth brother William (born 1897) who survived the war and emigrated to Australia in 1927.

3118 Pte Frederick C Baldwyn, 1/4th Bn Hampshire Regt.