Frank Cresswell Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Frank Cresswell
It is not know for a fact if Frank tried to emulate his brother James. But he did on the 18th August 1914 enlist in the 4th
Dragoon Guards, a cavalry regiment of the line, as 10539 Pte Frank Cresswell for 12 years, 7 colour service and 5 on the
reserve. It was noted on his medical sheet on enlistment that he was suffering from Varicocele (left) which is a mass of
varicose veins in the spermatic cord. At the time of enlistment it was not considered serious enough to reject him for
military service. But just 69 days later, on the 26th October 1914, he was discharged from the army as being not likely to
become an efficient soldier. The reason given was a medical discharge for Varicocele; this could have been aggravated
by riding a horse. But of course this is only speculation on my part.
Frank enlisted into the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers sometime in 1915, the exact date is at present unknown as his records
do not seem to have survived. On his medal card the first theatre of war is recorded as the Balkans but with a date of
entry of 4 Sept 1915 which is after the main part of the Gallipoli campaign.
The 1st Bat Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers were in 87 Brigade which was part of 29th Division. The Division later served on the
Somme. No more details at present.
It is not know for a fact if Frank tried to emulate his brother James. But he did on the 18th August 1914 enlist in the 4th
Dragoon Guards, a cavalry regiment of the line, as 10539 Pte Frank Cresswell for 12 years, 7 colour service and 5 on the
reserve. It was noted on his medical sheet on enlistment that he was suffering from Varicocele (left) which is a mass of
varicose veins in the spermatic cord. At the time of enlistment it was not considered serious enough to reject him for
military service. But just 69 days later, on the 26th October 1914, he was discharged from the army as being not likely to
become an efficient soldier. The reason given was a medical discharge for Varicocele; this could have been aggravated
by riding a horse. But of course this is only speculation on my part.
Frank enlisted into the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers sometime in 1915, the exact date is at present unknown as his records
do not seem to have survived. On his medal card the first theatre of war is recorded as the Balkans but with a date of
entry of 4 Sept 1915 which is after the main part of the Gallipoli campaign.
The 1st Bat Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers were in 87 Brigade which was part of 29th Division. The Division later served on the
Somme. No more details at present.
Military Records
Frank emigrated to America 1920