Frank Hannell - Lest We Forget

Frank Hannell was born December 1, 1893 at St. Albans, England, the son of William and Harriet Hannell. Frank was working as a Dominion Express messenger at Revelstoke when he enlisted with the 62nd Battalion in the summer of 1915.

Frank Hannell signed his enlistment papers June 28, 1915 at Vernon. His regimental number was 443256. He was 21 years old, single, 5’ 11” tall with fair hair and blue eyes. His religious affiliation was Anglican. He listed his sister, Alice Harnett or Berkshire, England, as his next-of-kin. A local doctor who went over to Europe with the 54th Battalion, Dr. J.H. Hamilton, did his medical exam.

Frank Hannell died on September 21, 1916, during the Somme campaign. He was 22 years old. At the time of his death he was a Private with the 27th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Manitoba) Regiment. He is buried at the Puchevillers British Cemetery, France.

The Revelstoke Review reported his death with this news:

“Frank Hannell went overseas with the “C” draft of the 54th Battalion and was transferred in England to another regiment. Prior to enlistment last summer, he had been express messenger on the south branch and was both well known and highly respected by the citizens of Revelstoke. The sad news of his death was received last Thursday by Mrs. P. Henderson.”

Frank Hannell is named on the Courthouse and Cenotaph plaques as well as on the YMCA Honor Roll.