Frank Critch

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Those Who Came After The Original 500

Francis (Frank) Critch 1899-1934
Registration No: 4939
Donated by Linda Elkins-Schmitt

Frank was the son of John and Lydia (nee Castle/Cassell) Critch, and was born at Grandvache, White Bay in 1899.
He joined the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and went overseas during WW I, along with his cousins;
George Ricketts(Private # 1703, enlisted 14 July 1915, MIA 3 December 1917, Marcoing, Cambria)
Thomas Ricketts(Private #: 3102, enlisted 2 Sept 1916), the sons of Amelia (nee Castle/Cassell)
John Ricketts; and
William John (Jack), (Private # 4926, enlisted 6 May 1918), son of William Temple and Frances Ann (nee Budgell) Critch,

An excerpt from a letter written by his friend, John Nicholas, Sop's Arm, describes their trip to St. John’s to enlist:

On May 4, 1918 Frank and I left Springdale on one of two dog teams, headed for Millertown Junction. From there we went by train to St. John's where we were met by a band at the station. Then we were taken to our boarding houses. On Sunday morning Frank and I went to church at St. Thomas United, and then on May 6, 1918, myself and Frank enlisted in the Royal Newfoundland Regiment.

Pte Francis (Frank) Critch military record:
Regimental No: 4939
Address: Springdale, Halls Bay
Trade: Fisherman
Next of kin: Father, John Critch, Springdale
Height: 5 feet 3 inches
Weight: 116 pounds

Enlisted May 6, 1918, age 19, Royal Newfoundland Regiment

Embarked St. John’s June 11, 1918 by train to Halifax for Overseas with draft, 11/6/18

On 26 October 1918, about a week after his cousin, Tommy Ricketts, fought near Drie-Masten, Frank embarked Folkestone from 2nd Battn, Royal Newfoundland Regiment, Hazeley Down Camp, Winchester, and joined 1st Battn Royal Newfoundland Regiment 3 Nov 1918

27 Dec 1918 on the list of Wounded and Sick NCOs and Men of the Expeditionary Force-France: 4939 Pte.Critch F. 1/R.Newfd Rgt. ICT Feet Mild. Dis to 3 Emp Base Dep ex 20 Gen.H. Dannes Camiers 27 Dec 1918

30 April 1919 Extract from Nominal Roll from 1st Battalion Royal Newfoundland Regiment dated 30-4-19. Pte Critch of the 1st Battalion left Rouen Camps 22?/4/19, embarked at Havre 22/4/19, disembarked at Southampton 23/4/19 and reached Hezeley Down Camp 23/4/19

22 May 1919 sailed on ”SS Corsican” from Liverpool and returned from Overseas 29 May 1919

Discharge approved for 28 June, 1919 having had 433 days of Military Service. Served on the Front in France, Belgium & Germany from Oct 15, 1918 to 1 April 1919. Discharge confirmed: July 12, 1919

Letter Dated July 12, 1919 to #4939 Pte Frank Critch, “Referring to your application I enclose cheque for seventy dollars ($70.00) being amount of first payment due you on account of the War Service Gratuity.”

6 December 1919, Receipt for issue of War Medal: I certify that I have received an issue of 2 inches of Riband of British War Medal-1914-1919. Signed No 4939 Pte Frank Critch, 6/12/19, Spring Dale, Halls Bay

Sept 20, 1921 The accompanying Victory Medal and/or British War Medal is forwarded herewith to Frank Critch in respect of his service as No. 4939 Rank Pte. Royal Nfld. Regt. Receipt of same acknowledged: October 25th, Springdale East to Frank Critch.

Six years later, Frank married Lucy Mills Hunt, and settled in the Bay of Islands. After just seven years of marriage, he died of tuberculosis at the hospital in St Anthony. He was buried there in August 1934.

Contributions made by John Allan Critch, son of Frank Critch.

1. Poems In Honour Of His Father and The Royal Newfoundland Regiment
2. Photos of the Curling War Memorial
3. Registration Card for John Allan Critch (1944)

Return to the Contributed Records

Return to the Main Military Records Index

Military Records Contact: Daniel B. Breen

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