Ordinary Seaman Frank Heslop

 Servicemen who died during the First World War who died within in the UK were normally buried where they died.  Things were different during the Second World War.  Men who died within the UK, but weren’t close to home, were taken back to their homes for burial, however, sometimes this wasn’t the case.

Frank Heslop
Danygraig Cemetery
credit - findagrave

Ordinary Seaman Frank Heslop who served on H.M.S. Lucifer, died on the same day as John Collins, on 25^th July 1940. Frank was 18 years old.

Frank was the son of Christopher and Ellen Heslop, of Gateshead. 

The 1939 Register is the only record that records Frank, as living with his mother at 94 Pearlth Street, Gateshead. Frank’s occupation is as a Builder’s Labourer.

1939 Register

South Wales Daily Post

South Wales Daily Post

Following Frank’s death, the South Wales Daily Post reports about the discovery that Frank and another seaman, Owen H. Ashton, were found dead in their cabin.  The death was believed to be of gas poisoning.

Two days later, the South Wales Daily Post reports that an inquest was opened and adjourned for a later date.

Herald of Wales

The Herald of Wales reports the coroner, David Clarke, having returned the verdict of “Deaths from asphyxia due to carbon monoxide poisoning”, where there was no evidence of where the carbon monoxide came from.  The case remained a mystery.

Owen H. Ashton
Glanadda Cemetery, Bangor
credit - findagrave

Frank was buried at Danygraig Cemetery, whilst Owen, was buried at Glanadda Cemetery, Bangor