Frank Peacock appears on the 1901 census living at at what looks like, Chafed Land, Chailey village.  The household comprised James C Smith (head, married, aged 56, working as a gardener), his wife Mary Ann Smith (aged 53) and three children: William C Smith (aged 21, also working as a gardener), Kate L Smith (aged 16) and Edith B Smith (aged 13).  Frank, aged eight, and born in Charlton, Kent, is noted as a nephew.  The household is completed by Cecil Edward Matthews, aged five and recorded as a grandson.

Chailey Parish Magazine first mentions Frank in October 1915 listing him as, Peacock, Pte F, Grenadier Guards, England.  In fact he had joined up in late March or early April 1915, and on 6th November 1915, he landed in France.  In December 1915, Chailey Parish Magazine records this fact. Then, in February 1916, in its roll of honour section, it notes: Pte F Peacock, Grenadier Guards, killed in action, Dec 20th 1915.

The Commonwealth War Graves’ Commission’s Debt of Honour register commemorates 23610 Private Frank Peacock of the 3rd Grenadier Guards who died on the date recorded in Chailey’s parish magazine.  It gives the additional information that he was 23 years old and the son of George and Margaret Peacock.

Soldiers Died in the Great War records Frank's place of birth as Cholton [sic] and the fact that he enlisted at Brighton.  No place of residence is given.

Frank Peacock is buried in the Royal Irish Rifles graveyard at Laventie, grave reference VI. B. 6.

Sources & Acknowledgements

• 1901 Census of England & Wales
• England and Wales, Civil Registration Index: 1837-1983
• Commonwealth War Graves’ Commission – Debt of Honour Register
• Soldiers Died in The Great War
• Chailey Parish Magazine
• Colin Roberts for the photograph of Frank Peacock's grave