Lieutenant Frank Pilgrim CGM, MiD, CdeG and palm (Fr)
Royal Marine Light Infantry
by Robert Simpson
Frank Pilgrim was born on 24th August 1884 at Middlesbrough, Yorkshire England. He was a son to Matthew Pilgrim and Fanny Jane Darlington. Matthew and Fanny were married on 16th October 1871 at St Ann’s Church in Petersham, nearly a year after the birth of their first son, Thomas William, who was born on 19th October 1870 in Tottenham. They went on to have a large family with Nellie (1874-), Rose (1876-1935), Frederick Matthew (1878-1935), Lily (1882-), Frank, Alice Mary (1887-1953), Arthur Edward (1889-1915) and Harry (1893-1970). Matthew started his working career as a labourer, then a coachman in 1871, a Railway Guard in the 1881 census, a Railway Goods Guard in 1891 census and a Railway Forman Shunter in the 1901 census. In a directory of 1909, he still has the same occupation, but he cannot be found in the 1911 census. Fanny was listed as the head of the house, at 23 Laycock Street Middlesbrough in that census. Matthew passed away on 3rd January 1916 in North Ormsby, Middlesbrough and was buried at the Municipal Cemetery in Linthorpe. In the 1891 census, the family was living at 11 Whitehouse Street in Linthorpe and Frank was a scholar, in the 1901 census they were at 23 Laycock Street Middlesbrough and Frank was a painter. By the 1911 census, Frank had changed profession and was a blast furnace boiler minder and the family was still at the same address.
On 12th January 1915, Frank joined the Royal Marine Light Infantry: Portsmouth Division for short service at York, and was given the service number 846 S. He lowered his age stating he had been born in 1887. His trade was (34) (S). He was 5 foot 5¾ inches tall, of fresh complexion with brown hair and eyes and he had no identifying marks on him. His Religion was Church of England.
The Portsmouth Battalion arrived at Lemnos on 11th March 1915 on SS Gloucester Castle. They then went to Port Said, arriving on the 26th and going into camp. They were employed with training, and collecting transport and stores. They embarked again and were ordered to Kaba Tepe to disembark and were attached to 1st Australian Division. After disembarking on 29th April, they were ordered to take over No. 2 section of the defences held by ANZAC troops. Throughout the night of the 29th/30th, there were small isolated attacks continually along the front. The Portsmouth Battalion suffered heavily from a severe shrapnel bombardment during the afternoon of the 30th. On 2nd May they moved up to the head of Monash valley to support Australian troops in the advanced trenches. After many problems in reaching the trenches, the decision to evacuate was made, due to heavy enfilading fire and the isolated position and they returned to the old positions. Days were spent in organising the defences in the positions, and improving the trenches and communication. The Turks continually swept the area with rifle and artillery fire. The general principle was adopted of using the Royal Marines as a support to the Australians in the front trenches. The Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough on 28th August 1915 and an article under “AN HONOURABLE RECORD. Mr M. Pilgrim, 23, Laycock-street, Middlesbrough, has just received information from the Admiralty that his son, Lance-Corporal Arthur E. Pilgrim, S.431, Portsmouth Battalion, R.M.L.I., who was reported wounded on May 9th last, died from his wounds, and was buried on May 10th, 1915. Before enlisting in September last he was employed as a joiner at the North-Eastern Steelworks, Middlesbrough. Mr Pilgrim has other two sons with the colours, Lance-Corporal Frank Pilgrim, R.M.L.I., who has just recovered from a wound in the thigh, and is now back in the Dardanelles, and Corporal harry Pilgrim, A.O.C., who is in France. He has also a brother, a grandson, a son-in-law, and several nephews serving the King.”
On 12th May, they were relieved by the Light Horse and they proceeded to Cape Helles on Cawdor Castle. Arriving, they disembarked at W Beach on 13th May and proceeded to their Bivouac. On 25th and 26th May, they relieved the 1st Royal Naval Brigade in the trenches, which was hampered and delayed by a heavy downpour. The next day was used to remove water from the trenches. In June they were digging new trenches, before going into reserve. In late June, they took a Turkish trench, only to be forced back out. They went to bivouac in early July. On 13th July, they were involved in a general attack on the Turkish positions, pushing the line along a bit with heavy casualties. In the Portsmouth Battalion, all officers were killed or wounded. The trenches were in poor condition with bodies lying everywhere.
After the Battalions suffered crippling losses at ANZAC and Cape Helles, the Portsmouth Battalion (making A and B Company) was joined with the Plymouth Battalion (making C and D Company) to form the 2nd Royal Marine Battalion, as part of the 3rd Royal Marine Brigade which only lasted 5 days before being disbanded and joined with two other battalions to form the 2nd Naval Brigade. More changes occurred during the war.
On 27th August 1915, the Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough had under Died of Wounds; “PILGRIM.- Died of wounds received somewhere near Dardanelles, May 10th, Lance-Corporal Arthur E. Pilgrim, R.M.L.I., Portsmouth Battalion, dearly beloved son of Matthew and Fanny Pilgrim, 25, Laycock-street, in his 25th year. Deeply mourned by father, mother, sisters, brothers and Ada.”
Another tragedy rocked the family, as reported in the Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough on 4th January 1916 under local news. “Whilst employed at his work as foreman-shunter on the North-Eastern Railway, Matthew Pilgrim (65), Laycock-street, Newport, was run over by an engine last night, which severed both legs from his body. He was admitted to the North Ormesby Hospital shortly after midnight, but died almost immediately.” A more detailed article appears in the North-Eastern Daily Gazette on Wednesday 5th January 1916. “At the Pennyman Arms, North Ormesby, to-day, the Coroner (Mr. O.H. Cochrane) held an inquest on the body of Matthew Pilgrim (64), of 23, Laycock-street, Newport, who was runover by a locomotive on Monday night past, and died at the North Ormesby Hospital. Thomas William Pilgrim said that the deceased was his father, and had been employed by the North-Eastern Railway Company for 42 years as foreman shunter. Ernest Taylor, of 51, Outhwaite-street, assistant foreman, stated that he saw deceased at 10.40 p.m., and he was then coming out of the cabin, and he was walking in the direction he generally went. At ten minutes to eleven he was called to deceased, and found him lying on the ground three or four yards off the footpath, which crosses from the cabin to the guard-room. There was and engine and van about ten yards from where the deceased was lying. From what witness saw he knew that Pilgrim had been run over. His legs were inside the rails. Witness stated that there was a strong wind blowing at the time, which would deaden the sound of the approach of a locomotive. William Pattison, who was on duty in the guard-room, stated he had received a telephone message from the deceased, but did not expect him to come across to the guard-room, which apparently seemed to have been his intention. There was an engine and van waiting near the cabin for a mineral train to pass. Witness did not see anything of the deceased about the crossing but after the mineral train had passed it appeared that the deceased had been knocked down by the engine and van which was just leaving. Witness had occasion to go to the cabin-door, and Pilgrim shouted to him, saying, “Come and get me out of this.” The driver of the engine, William Smurthwaite, of 2, Oswald-terrace, Newport, stated that he knew nothing about the accident until the deceased had been run over. Henry Wise, of 33, Kildare-street, and who was in the guard-room at the time of the accident, said he heard a shout, and on going out saw the deceased. Witness went straight to the shunters’ cabin for a stretcher, but they could not get it into the van, and therefore had to send for another van to take the man to the hospital. Dr. Belas said that both legs were severed from the body, and death was due to shock. A verdict was returned “That death was caused by being accidently run over by a van and engine at the Newport goods yard. The Coroner expressed his sympathy with the relatives, and also commended the men who assisted in removing the deceased to the hospital after the accident. Mr Crome, train master, on behalf of the officials of the company and the men, also expressed sympathy with the relatives, and remarked that no one was better known along the line than the deceased.”
The Third Supplement to The London Gazette (29603) of 30th May 1916 had the following award approved- “To receive the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.” “Acting Corporal Frank Pilgrim, R.M.L.I., Po./846 (S).” On the 20th November, 1915, at Cape Helles, he threw a live Turkish grenade out of a trench and thereby avoided a dangerous accident. On 21st June 1915, he was wounded in the right thigh by an enemy shell.
The Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough on 2nd June 1916 noted that “Acting-Corporal Frank Pilgrim, R.M.L.I., of Middlesbrough, has won the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal. On November 20th, 1915, at Cape Helles, he threw a live Turkish grenade out of a trench and thereby avoided an accident.”
Frank was on Gallipoli until 8th January 1916, when he was evacuated to Egypt. He was promoted to Corporal on 28th January. In May 1916, the Battalion was sent to France. Frank was reduced to the rank of Private on 27th August 1916.
The London Gazette of 11th July 1916 had an entry under a despatch from General Sir Charles Munro, who was in command of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force at that time, for distinguished and gallant services rendered to “Pilgrim, Po./846 (S) R.M.L.I. Corpl. F. (no. 2 Bn., R.M.L.I.).”
The Aberdeen Journal of 13th September 1916 had an entry under Casualties in the Service for the Navy. “The Secretary of the Admiralty announces the following casualties: – ROYAL NAVAL DIVISION. Wounded. Cpl. Frank Pilgrim, RMLI.” On 29th November 1916, he was promoted to Acting Corporal and then to Acting Sergeant on 2nd February 1917.
In the Supplement to the London Gazette on 19th December 1917 page 13320 under Foreign Decorations is the entry “The following decorations have been conferred by the Allied Powers on Officers and men of the British Naval Forces for distinguished services rendered during the War: – Decorations conferred by the President of the French Republic, Croix de Guerre, Sergeant Frank Pilgrim, RMLI, CGM, No. Po./846 (S). He was also given a citation from France, dated 31st May 1917, which reads “Frank PILGRIM. R.M.L.I., Sergeant. Po. 846. Le 10 Novembre 1915 pendant les combats du Cap Helles a rajete hors la tranchee une grenade turque et a reussi a empecher les dangareux affets de son explosion.” It was signed L Lacaze, an Admiral in the Marine Ministry.
The Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough on 3rd January 1918 had under the “In Memoriam” heading “ PILGRIM- In loving memory of Matthew Pilgrim, who was killed on the N.E.R. January 3rd, 1916. Not forgotten by his wife and family.”
Frank was appointed Temporary Sub-Lieutenant on 27th March 1918. (Recorded in London Gazette 30th April 1918). The London Gazette of 30th April 1918 recorded a notice from Admiralty, dated 22nd April, under Royal Marines, that Frank Pilgrim CGM (from Officer Cadet Battalions of the Army) was to be a temporary 2nd Lieutenant. His citation is dated 7th May 1918 for a temporary Commission in the Royal Marines as a Second Lieutenant.
He served with Chatham Division from 27th March 1918 to 19th May 1918. Frank was appointed Temporary Lieutenant on 27th March 1919. (Recorded in London Gazette 6th May 1919). A report on that date gave his general conduct as satisfactory, his ability as average, he had a temperate habit and no special knowledge. He was recommended for advancement in due course and Brigadier-General Graham gave him no special remarks. Frank then served with HMS Victory (1st Reserve Battalion) from 20th May 1918 to 26th September 1918, HMS Victory (1st RM Battalion BEF) from 27th September 1918 to 7th June 1919 and then Chatham Division from 8th June 1919 to 21st June 1919. He passed Anti-Gas measures course at Aldershot on 1st July 1918 and was recommended for Instructors Course. On 12th August 1918, he also qualified for bombing schedule with a “good’ rating. Frank was demobilised on 22nd June 1919.
In September 1918, Frank married Caroline Astin in Burnley, Lancashire. Caroline has been born in early 1891 in the same town, a daughter to William Henry Astin and Emma Gardner. They had been married in 1882, and her father was a stone mason. Not long after the wedding, he was called back to the Royal Marine Battalion, 63rd Royal Naval Division. He embarked from Dover on 26th September 1918 and disembarked at Calais on the same day. His record noted he had a bombing qualification. The next day, he joined “L” I.B.D. and on 11th October 1918, he joined the 1st R.M. Battalion in France. On 6th February 1919, he returned to England as a conducting Officer and re-joined his Battalion in France on 2nd March. He was then granted 14 days leave on expiration of conducting duty to U.K. He was promoted to Temporary Lieutenant from 27th March 1919. Frank was detached to R.T.O. Valeciennes on 28th April, re-joining the Battalion from there on 7th May 1919. On 21st June 1919, he disembarked at H. Q. Chatham. His next of kin was listed as his wife, Carrie at 17 Holmsley Street Burnley, which was her parents address.
The Navy List for 1919 has Frank listed under 63rd (Royal Naval) Division, 1st R.M.L.I. Battalion as a Temporary 2nd Lieutenant. It also recorded him under the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal as Acting Corporal Frank Pilgrim R.M.L.I. and under Royal Marine Forces as Second Lieutenant Frank Pilgrim (C.G.M.) Chatham Division from 27th March 1918.
Frank’s record of Officer’s Service shows he was with the Marine Brigade from 12th May 1915 to 22nd August 1916 at Gallipoli, Mudros, Salonika and France; Reserve Battalion RMLI from December 1916 to 25th September 1918 at Blandford and Aldershot and Battalion RMLI from 20th May 1918 to 7th June 1919 in France and Belgium. He was present at Gallipoli, Cambrai and Mons actions. His awards were listed as Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, Croix de Guerre with Palms and Mentioned in Despatches from General Sir C Munro Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, recorded in the London Gazette of 13th July 1916.
The Sharrow Branch of the Sheffield Democratic Association held meetings in support of a Mr Frank Pilgrim, the democratic candidate, for the Municipal Elections to be held on 1st November 1919; as recorded in an advert in the Sheffield Independent of 25th October 1919. It is not known if this was the same Frank Pilgrim.
Frank and Carrie Pilgrim
Frank was posted his Mention in Despatches certificate on 1st October 1920. War Gratuity of 21 pounds and 1 shilling was paid on 12th July 1919 to Frank.
Stuart Arthur Pilgrim, their first son, was born on 10th November 1919 in Middlesborough, Yorkshire. During WW2, he joined the navy and was posted to HMS Stanley as Acting/ Able Seaman D/JX.184937. HMS Stanley I73 was a Destroyer of the Town Class that had been built in the USA and completed in 1919 as USS McCalla. It was decommissioned in 1922 and was recommissioned in 1939 and transferred to the Royal Navy on 23rd October 1940. She was involved in escort duties. While escorting convoy HG-76, she participated in the sinking of 2 U-boats. On 19th December 1941 at 4.15 am, she was struck by 2 of 3 torpedoes fired from U-574. At that time, she was on station astern of convoy HG-76 and sank immediately about 330 miles west of Cape Sines, Portugal. Another destroyer destroyed the U-boat 12 minutes later and then with help picked up survivors from HMS Stanley. Of the 161 crew only 25 survived. Stuart’s date of death was listed as 19th December 1941 and the cause of death was recorded as “Missing – Death on War Service presumed”. He is commemorated on the Plymouth Memorial on Panel 48, Column 1.
Frank and Caroline had a second son, also named Frank Pilgrim in the last quarter of 1921 at Middlesbrough. Frank served in WW2 but more details are not known. After the war, he went to South Africa, married Doreen Gertrude ? and had a child Barbara. The only other record on his family shows he passed away in Durban on 6th December 1993. Unfortunately, nothing else is known about Caroline.
Fanny passed away on 5th March 1935 at Middlesbrough and is buried in the same plot as Matthew.
During WW2, Frank was with the 4th North Riding (Redcar) Battalion (NRY4) of the Home Guard, rising to the rank of Major. The regiment was affiliated with the Green Howards.
Major F. Pilgrim C.G.M. (Officer Commanding “B” Company.)
Due to his common name, it is not possible to identify any details after this time and for his death. A possibility is a Frank Pilgrim, aged 77 years, who died in Southend in December 1963. Confirming if it is the same Frank would involve purchasing the death record.
One of Frank’s brothers, Arthur Edward, also served in WW1. Arthur had been born at St. Pauls in Middlesbrough on 27th June 1889. In the 1911 census, he was a house joiner, living with his parents at 26 Laycock Street Middlesbrough. He also joined the Royal Marine Light Infantry, in the Portsmouth Battalion, on 15th September 1914, and was given the service number PO/431/S. He sent a letter to his sister Alice Mary Pilgrim while he was at Forton Barracks, Gosport.
“Dear Alice,
I received your welcome letter this afternoon. I had a postcard from Harry this morning, he is coming to see me tonight. I have got permission to show him around. I am eagerly looking forward to seeing him. I had such a nice letter from our Lily on Wednesday. She told me about them having their teeth drawn. She sent me a small photo of Alf taken at school – it’s such a good one I am going to send her one of mine. I am expecting some more. We are still living on the best here.
It’s just like a good holiday. We have the best football team in the barracks. We haven’t had a goal against us yet. We played the pick of the rest of the squads yesterday and we won. We are champions now. I was just wondering how the kid? was coming on it seems such a long time since I had hold of her. Kiss her for me won’t you. I am sorry to hear about Joe’s baby. It’s hard luck for them. I intend going to see our Rose as soon as I can afford it. We don’t get much money while we are recruits but still we get enough to enjoy ourselves. Tell Mother I enjoyed the cakes very much. I hope it did not put her to much trouble. Will you tell Mother I would like her to take all the money she has spent for shifting my furniture and paying my ???? out of what I gave her before I left. I would feel more settled if she did. I expect she will feel lonely when they are both on nights. I am going to see Portsmouth play Gillingham tomorrow. We are finished at 12 o’clock on a Saturday. Tell Alex it’s a glorious life being a Marine. We are staying here for another two months yet then we are going somewhere else for gun drill. Now I think this is all. Remember me to Alex and Dorothy.
I remain your loving brother, Alfred
PS Tell Father I am sorry about his leg. I hope it will soon be better.”
Arthur arrived with his Battalion as part of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on 28th February 1915 and died of wounds on 10th May 1915 as a Lance Corporal. He is buried at Courtney’s and Steel’s Post Cemetery at ANZAC. CWGC says he was killed in action on that day. Listed as Sp. Mem. 35. (Special Memorials to men known or believed to be buried in the cemetery are listed by the abbreviation and the number showing the position.) The Royal Marine Grave Roll says his grave was not located, and he was killed or died as a direct result of enemy action. He is also recorded on his parent’s grave.
Arthur Edward Pilgrim
Gosport- Forton Barracks – Arthur Edward Pilgrim is in the back, fifth from the left.
Parent’s grave with mention of Arthur
Another brother, Harry served in WW1 in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. As a 2nd Corporal with the regimental number 02210, he disembarked in France on 3rd January 1915. He ended up being promoted to a Staff Sergeant. Harry was placed in Z Reserve on 6th February 1919. Unfortunately, his service record has not survived, so it is not known what he did. He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Frank’s medals are Conspicuous Gallantry medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal with oak leaf, Defence Medal and Croix de Guerre with palms.
ANZAC Biographies
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