Private Francis Brinkman 1st Bn East Lancs Regiment

Francis Brinkman was born in 1895, the son of Robert and Catherine Brinkman.

Robert was a native of Rochdale, whilst his wife was a Geordie, hailing from Newcastle upon Tyne.

In 1911 the family were living at 7 Sellars Street in Rochdale. 

56 year old Robert was a working at the local gasworks as a labourer, 16 year old Francis was listed as being a scavenger, his younger brother Harold was a 12 year old tenter.

Francis enlisted into the East Lancashire Regiment shortly after war was declared, he was severely wounded fighting in the trenches on April 3rd 1916, he sadly passed away from his wounds the following day.

The first news his parents received was in a letter from Sergeant John Stockford, who wrote;

"About one o'clock on April 3rd the platoon were working in the trenches making them deeper when the Germans sent over about three rifle grenades. The second came right into the trench and hit your son and other comrades. Your son said to his chum, "They have got me this time", the officers of my platoon wish him a speedy recovery".

Private Francis Brinkman 1/ELR

Francis did not recover from his injuries, Sgt. Stockford wrote again to his parents, stating that he had been laid to rest in a lovely cemetery just behind the firing line and that his grave had been marked with a cross displaying his name, the date of his death and the nature of how he died, the letter went on;

"Let me convey to you deep sympathy from the officers, non commissioned officers and men of the platoon. Some day you might have an opportunity to visit your sons grave, and if God spares me, I hope it is my pleasure to show you the grave".

Another comrade of Francis' also wrote to his parents, Pte J. Branwell wrote;

"He has been a good mate of mine. He was great favourite and a very good and faithful soldier, being always first to volunteer for any dangerous post". 

John Stockford went on to survive the horrors of the war, he earned the distinguished Conduct Medal for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, he left the army as a Colour Sergeant Major.

Francis is one of 79 men buried in Humbercamps Communal Cemetery Extension, France.