Private Frank Gates
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Pte Frank Gates, 13335, 7th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, was killed in action in the "Big Push" on the Somme on July 1st, 1916. He was aged 23.
The son of the late Benjamin (died 1908) and Elizabeth Rose Gates, of 82 Burr Street, Luton, he was before the war employed by George Kent's Ltd and was a regular attendant at the Wesleyan Central Mission Brotherhood. He enlisted with the Colours at the outbreak of war.
A short time before his death he wrote to his fiancee, Miss Eva Lane, of 29 Langley Street, Luton. In his letter he said: "I hope you will not give up all enjoyment...I mean the way to be happy and to make others happy around you, even if it is only with a pleasant smile or a kind word, or to help anyone who needs it. Neither of these were ever more needed than at the present time."
He is commemorated on the George Kent Roll of Honour board now housed at Stockwood Discovery Centre.
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