G/18011 Pte Frederick Wilbur Cannon, 13th Royal Sussex Regt

G/18011 Pte Frederick Wilbur Cannon of the 13th Royal Sussex Regiment died on 5th July 1918. Soldiers Died in The Great War - which incorrectly records his middle names Wilbar - notes that he "died" on this date, as opposed to be killed in action or dying of wounds.

According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website, he was 29 years old, the son of Mrs Mary Ann Cannon, of 37, Station Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. He is buried in the Sedan (St Charles) Communal Cemetery; grave reference 306.

Although Frederick's First World War service record does not appear to have survived, it's possible to make an educated guess about some of his service from his one surviving document - his medal index card. This records two numbers: 3281 and G/18011. The first number almost certainly belongs to the series used by the 2/5th Royal Sussex Regiment and would have been issued in the first half of 1915. Frederick, and other 2/5th Royal Sussex men were then transferred - whilst overseas in France - to the 13th Battalion. This transfer took place on 1st September 1916. It's also clear that Frederick did not go overseas until 1st January 1916 at the earliest, because his medal index card only notes entitlement to the British War and Victory medals.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

Sources:

Ancestry.co.uk (Medal index card)
Army Service Numbers 1881-1918
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Soldiers Died in the Great War