Frank Adams Bagley died of wounds on this day in 1915

Frank Adams Bagley was born 15 April 1882, in Hartburn, Stockton-on-Tees. His father was Charles John Bagley, JP, Managing Director of the South Durham Steel & Iron Company. His mother was Alice Jane (née Holmes). In 1891, Frank, age 8, was living in East Hartburn with his parents, 3 brothers and 2 servants. He was educated at Clifton College.

He joined the army and, in 1901 age 19, he was in York Infantry Barracks. He went with the Mounted Infantry to South Africa 1901-2, serving in the Transvaal April 1901 to May 1902, and Cape Colony and Orange River Colony April to Aug 1901. He was awarded the Queen's Medal with 5 clasps.

On 29 Jan 1903, Frank transferred from the Militia and was gazetted 2nd Lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment. He was promoted Lieutenant in 1906 and Captain in June 1914.

On 13 Aug 1914, he sailed with the regiment to France on SS Lapwing

The Battalion arrived in time to participate in the Retreat from Mons. On 24 August, they were entrenched at Frameries, attacked by large German forces, and retired to Saint Waast. On the 25th, they were attacked near Solesmes during the Battle of Le Cateau. They withdrew under cover of darkness. The following day, at Cowdray, Frank was described as having "performed a fine piece of work when his company got cut off, by manging to bring it back with 2 machine guns".

From 5-7 September, the Battalion was in action at the Battle of Marne, crossing the Marne on the 9th in pursuit of the enemy. They were also in action from 12-15 September during the Battle of Aisne

By 16 October, they had reached Neuve Chappelle where they repelled considerable heavy enemy attacks over next few days, casualties mounting. On 21 October, Frank was seriously wounded at La Bassée. According to the Battalion War Diary "Further heavy attack and considerable casualties.... A large number of men reported missing".

In June 1915, Frank returned to the front at Hooge in the Ypres Salient where, on 31 July, he was wounded again. The Battalion War Diary entry reported:

"About 3,30pm enemy exploded a mine in front of trenches R1 and 3, but short and no damage was done. About the same time, a shell from enemy's guns struck the parapet of the trench occupied by B Company, close to the spot where Captain Bagley was standing. This officer was wounded slightly but suffered severely from shock and was removed to Field Ambulance - no further incident occurred in our sector during the night".

On 20 August, he rejoined his Battalion in the Salient.

On 25 September, as part of the wider Battle of Loos, he was again wounded in action at the Second Battle of Bellewaerde in Hooge, while leading his company in an attack. Again the Battalion War Diary reported:

"The two assaulting companies were 'A' on right, under Captain Schorling, and 'B' on the left under Captain F.A. Bagley.... These companies moved forward at once on completion of the bombardment by our guns..... Our left company - B - was held up by a low wire obstacle, a short distance in front of enemy's parapet. This obstacle came as a surprise, our men falling over it before they could see it. The ground generally was very difficult, owing to being broken up by shell holes, and debris of all kinds. All the officers and sergeants of 'B' Company were casualties. Their casualties were 114 of all ranks, out of a total of 170. There appears no doubt that the enemy was well-prepared for the assault, as their rifle fire was opened before our assault actually commenced".

On 2 October, Frank died from his wounds in a Field Hospital at Poperinghe. He is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery

His Colonel wrote "He again showed himself a very gallant English gentleman, and I have today received paper from Colonel Ashworth recommending him for a Military Cross for gallantry on the Aisne. This should have been done ages ago. I have myself today added a recommendation for the D.S.O. which Frank most thoroughly deserves".

"Captain Bagley was mentioned in Despatches by F.M. Sir John French for gallant and distinguished service in the field" (London Gazette 1 Jan 1916)

Frank was posthumously awarded the DSO, MC, 1914 Star with Clasp, British War Medal and Victory Medal with Oak Leaves

Captain Frank Adams Bagley, 2nd Battalion (82nd Foot), The South Lancashire Regiment