Frank Groves Dawbney
Ships Steward M/11801
H.M.S. “Falmouth”

 Division 52

Frank Groves Dawbney died suddenly from heart failure.  He had enlisted on 8th February 1915 and had always enjoyed good health and passed three doctors. 

 The Captain of the Falmouth wrote to Mrs Dawbney ” I very much regret to have to inform you that your son Frank Groves Dawbney, ship steward’s assistant died suddenly at 4.15 a.m. on the 18th May 1915 of heart failure.  He had only been in the ship for a short period, and was well liked by the ship’s company, and his death was much felt among his mess mates.  There is no doubt that he has sacrificed his life for his country as truly as those who have fallen in action.  It must be a comfort to you to know that his death must have been  a painless one”.

 He was educated at Ardingly college and York House.  He stated his career as an Architect in Reading before moving to work for London County Council.  He was a young man of great promise – his early death coming as a great shock, only the day before his death he wrote to parents saying he was quite well.  The body was interred in the family grave, the coffin covered with a Union Jack and there were many floral tributes.  There were many mourners.  His father was a prominent Conservative and vice-chairman of the Katesgrove Ward No1.  The grave is a registered war grave, number 11925.