Mexborough and Swinton Times October 11, 1919
Miner and Adjutant
Swinton Soldier’s Brilliant Record.
Cant. Henry Franks
Captain Henry Franks, 1st York and Lancaster Regiment, attached Somerset Light infantry, of 3, Albert Street, Swinton, holds an Army record of which he and the township in which he lives might feel justly proud.
Forsaking, his work as a trammer at Manvers Main, he was one of the adventurous enthusiasts who rushed to the colours in England’s, first glorious response. He was 22 years old when he donned khaki in November, 1914, and it will be seen from the following brief record that he has had a really brilliant career:
December 10,. 1914, promoted Lance-Corporal; February, 1915, Corporal; June, 1915, Sergeant; March, 1916, Quartermaster-Sergeant ; December 8, 1917, gazetted 2nd Lieutenant; June 8, 1919, Lieutenant; June 13, 1919,- Captain.
He is at present carrying out the duties of Adjutant to his Battalion, stationed in. Egypt. The Adjutant has been aptly termed the “hub” of a battalion, and the duties of such a position ask of a man almost superhuman tact, energy and responsibility.
Captain Franks wears the “white—blue–white” ribbon, and gained the Cross in Palestine in September, 1918. “An enemy machine gun was holding up the wave of his company. He immediately crawled forward by himself with a rifle, and although seen and bombed by the enemy, he shot both the gunners, captured the gun, and turned it on the enemy, firing two and a half belts before the gun jammed. He did .splendid work.”
In January, 1916, Captain. Franks (then Sergeant), was transferred from the York andLancaster Regiment, to the Machine Gun Corps, and went out to France with his Corps in June, 1916. After being transferred to the 6th Division, he accompanied them to Greece in December, 1916, and later to Macedonia, and did service against the Bulgarians on the Varda. From Salonica, he went to Egypt, where he returned, after seeing considerable service in Palestine, after the, Armistice, and where his Battalion is now engaged in patrol and police work. He is now spending his first overseas leave since 1916. He speaks modestly of his exploits, and does not regard his record as in any way remarkable. “I don’t think I shall stick the service,” he said, “I am living at a decided disadvantage socially. In my position as Adjutant, a great deal of social work is required of me, and though I rather pride myself on my capability in the things that count in soldiering, yet I fight shy of these post war demands.”
Though Captain Frank’s education was confined to that of a Board School, and what knowledge he has since acquired personally, he shows himself the possessor of an alert, practical brain, and before he enlisted had obtained his Deputy’s Mining certificate, and I had “swotted” for the Under Manager’s examination. He is to return to his unit in a few days’ time.
His only brother, Sapper John Franks, R.E., was killed in action in France. Captain Franks was the recipient of a gold watch from the Manvers Main Heroes’ Fund some time ago, and on Saturday was the guest of his former club mates at the Bowbroom Workingmen’s Club, when he was presented with a gold albert by the members.
Mr. Green, president, presided, and Coun. A. Greenfield, in making the presentation, paid high eulogy to the services rendered by Captain Franks.
Mr H Fretwell, secular, after adding his tribute to their gallant guest, remarked that Captain Franks was one of Councillor Greenfield’s “recruits.”
An interesting problem was submitted by Messrs Fretwell, T Odell, C Elliott and J.W. Clemitshaw.