Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
Frank Alan Shearburn was born on 27th January 1897 in Gosport, Hampshire to Captain of the Royal Engineers Reginald and Mary Ann (nee Cook). He was baptised on 4th April 1897 at St Paul’s Church in Dorking, Surrey. At the time of the baptism, the family lived at South Street and Reginald was working as an electrician.
At the time of the 1901 Census, Reginald, a widowed Warrant Officer of the Royal Engineers, lived with his sons, Reginald and Frank, and his parents architect William and Mary at 39 South Street in Dorking. The household further comprised of William’s son, stock broker’s clerk Harold, his granddaughter Vivian and a nursemaid and general domestic servant.
Reginald married Maud Marie Hoyer in the 4th quarter of 1901 in Holborn, London.
Frank had four half siblings: Norman Harold born about 1901 in Clapham, London; Kenneth Lance born about 1904 in Fifeshire North Queensferry; Mary Teresa born about 1908 and Stella Marguerite born about 1909, both in Alderney, Channel Islands.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family resided at Alderney, Channel Islands. Reginald was a Captain of the Royal Engineers and Maud was looking after their children: Norman, Kenneth, Mary and Stella. The household further comprised of Reginald’s son from his previous marriage Frank.
Frank Shearburn became 2nd Lieutenant of the Scottish Rifles on 13th September 1915. At this time he was a cadet of the Officers Training Corps.
He disembarked on 4th September 1916 to France.
Frank Shearburn, 2nd Lieutenant of the 4th Battalion, attached to the 10th Battalion, Cameronian (Scottish Rifles), was killed in an action on 14th September 1916 during the Battles on the Somme in France.
Photograph courtesy of Simon Jervis
Frank Shearburn is buried at the Contalmaison Chateau Cemetery, Somme, France. His grave reference number is: II.A.4.
He was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
Frank’s father, Captain of the Royal Engineers, Reginald Shearburn was commended for his service during the war.
Shearburn Family History
Frank’s father Reginald was born in the 3rd quarter of 1864 in Dorking to builder and architect William, born about 1834 in Dorking and Mary, born about 1831 in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire.
At the time of the 1871 Census, the family lived in South Street, Dorking. William was working as a builder and Mary was looking after their five children including Reginald. The household further comprised of two servants and a visitor, Sarah Grace.
At the time of the 1881 Census, the family lived at South Street, Dorking. William was working as an architect and Mary was at home. The household further comprised of their children: Susannah; builder William; wine merchant clerk Frank; builder Reginald; Harold and architect’s assistant George.
Frank’s mother Agnes Augusta Cook was born about 1867 in Monk Kirby, Warwickshire to farmer Richard, born about 1833 in Monk Kirby, and Augusta, born about 1837 in Thurlaston, Warwickshire. Agnes was baptised on 21st July 1867 in Churchover, Warwickshire. At the time of the baptism, the family lived at Street Field.
At the time of the 1871 Census, the family lived at Biggin Hall, Dunchurch, Thurlaston, Warwickshire. Richard was a farmer of 587 acres, employing twelve men, three boys and five women. Augusta was at home. The household further comprised of their five children, including Agnes; and a governess, cook, housemaid, nursemaid and a visitor Elizabeth A. Laurence.
At the time of the 1881 Census, the family lived at Roundwood Farm (Lodge), Harlesden Road, Harlesden Green, Middlesex. The household comprised of the widowed retired farmer Richard, his daughter Agnes and a governess and cook.
At the time of the 1891 Census, Agnes Cook was visiting her future parents in law: architect William and Mary at 39 South Street, Dorking. The household further comprised of the Shearburn’s sons: architect George and merchant clerk (sugar) Harold.
Reginald married Agnes on 4th April 1894 at St Mary-Le-Bow church, City of London. At the time of the marriage, Reginald was working as an electrician and resided at Williamson’s Hotel, Bow Lane, London. Agnes lived in Dorking.
Agnes died in the 1st quarter of 1897 in Alverstoke, Hampshire.
Frank Shearburn had one brother: Reginald born in the 1st quarter of 1895 in Gosport, Hampshire.
| Born | Gosport, Hampshire | |
| Lived | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Son of | Reginald Shearburn and Mary Ann Shearburn (nee Cook) | |
| Regiment | 4th Battalion attached 10th Battalion, Cameronian Scottish Rifles | |
| Date of Death | 14th September 1916 | |
| Place of Death | Somme, France | |
| Cause of Death | Killed in Action | |
| Age | 19 | |
| Cemetery | Contalmaison Chateau Cemetery, Somme, France |
