Second Lieutenant Cyril Edward Franklin, son of Edward and Elizabeth Franklin, was born 1887, died in 1917, leaving behind a wife and young child.

One of the severest losses the younger life of Luton has sustained in the war is the death of Second-Lieut. Cyril Edward Franklin the youngest son of ex- Inspector E. Franklin, who retired from the Luton Borough Police Force about two years ago, and now resides at Stanbridge. The shock of sorrow was felt in many circles other than the little family circle of Lieut. Franklin, at 261, Hitchin Road, where his young wife and their infant boy reside;

Mrs. Franklin was notified by the War Office on Wednesday afternoon that her husband had died of wounds on Tuesday, and as the sorrowful news spread members of many organisations felt the sense of personal loss. He was such a genial, generous soul, with a merry face and a care-free heart, that he made friends in every circle    in which he moved.

He was a member of the High Town Primitive Methodist Choir, an enthusiastic member of the Luton Liberal-Club and the Liberal Association, and a popular member of the Dunstable Golf Club.

Second-Lieut. Franklin went to the offices of Messrs. Franklin and Deacon, the well-known architects and surveyors, of Market-hill, Luton, on leaving school, and he remained with them until he received a commission in the East Anglian Engineers on July, 13th, 1915. The firm valued his services very highly, for ho was particularly skilled in the technicalities of survey. The esteem won at home was equally marked in his regiment, and among his men were many Lutonians.

During a rather lengthy stay at Maidenhead he exerted himself to make the life of his men as happy as possible, and he called at the “News” office last year, and. as was his wont, successfully pleaded for comforts for his men. and he was particularly keen on providing sporting material. Going to France in July of Iast year, he speedily won the admiration of his superiors for his sagacity and intrepidity, and had he lived he would certainly have been decorated for one outstanding; piece of work performed in November last. With 200 men, he sapped during one night and penetrated from the British to the German lines without one casualty, although the work occupied four hours. That was on the famous Serre-road. and he was promptly recommended for the Military Cross for this wonderful feat, the value of which can only be understood and estimated by those who have been in the face of the enemy.

Second-Lieut. Franklin would have attained his thirtieth birthday in a few days. He came home on Dec. 30th for ten days leave of absence, and    has been back in the    fighting line a matter of six or seven weeks. He was in the vicinity of Amiens a short time ago. for he sent home pictorial view of that old-world cathedral city, stating that he had gone into the city to purchase stores.

Luton is undoubtedly poorer for the loss of this stalwart and excellent son.

Luton News article 22/02/1917