Parents

Frederick’s father was Harry Crispin, born in Cork in 1864 and his mother was Alice Mary Wilson, born in 1868 at Curragh Camp, Co. Kildare. They married in 1886. In 1891 they lived at Spring Hill, Urmston, with children Minnie, Helen and Charles. In 1901 Harry was a gardener/domestic worker. He died aged 38 in 1902. In 1917 Alice lived at 26 Grove St, Didsbury.

Frederick

Frederick’s birth was registered in Chorlton in 1897. In 1901 the family lived at 12 Stenner Lane, Didsbury. Frederick was 3. There were 4 children. Also in the household was George G Harris, a groom/domestic worker.

The family were at the same address in 1911 and Frederick was 13 and worked in warehouse shipping. Minnie was a tramway clerk, Helen a book keeper, Charles an office boy and there was another brother, Gilbert, 8. There was a servant, Annie Wilson, 38.

The residents of the houses nearby are of interest. Fletcher Moss, a single man of 57, lived at the Parsonage with his nephew, Cyril Moss, 30, a medical student. Fletcher Moss was described in the 1911 census as a retired provision merchant but is described elsewhere as an alderman, philanthropist and author. He subsequently bequeathed his garden and the Parsonage to the city of Manchester. The Parsonage is the second oldest building in Didsbury, dating from the 16th century. The oldest building is St James’ church.

In 1911 the Parsonage Lodge and 6 Stenner Lane were occupied by gardeners and their families.

Military career

Frederick signed an attestation to join the Territorial Army, Duke of Lancaster’s Yeomanry in 1915. At some point he joined the 23rd Battalion, Manchester Regiment, service number 46517.

He was sent to France in 1917. In June the same year he was allegedly insubordinate to a non-commissioned officer and received a punishment. He had 2 weeks leave in September 1917.

He was killed in action in Belgium on 22 October 1917, at which time he was a lance corporal. His name is on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Panel 120–124 and 162–162A and 163A.

He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal, for which his mother signed on 6 November 1917.