1866720 L/Sgt Francis Alexander Faulkner MM

[Mark Abbott]

I am undertaking research into the above who lived at 48 Twickenham Road, Newton Abbot served with 17 field Company R.E. during WW2.

Frank was evacuated from Dunkirk and went on to land on Sword Beach on the 6th June 1944.  He was wounded on 8th July 1944 and went on to receive a Military medal for bravery on


1866720 L/Sgt F.A. Faulkner 17 Field Company R.E.

M.M LG 23 August 1945

The recommendation for his MM reads as follows.

"On 17th April 1945, L/Sgt Falkner, (sic) R.E. was in command of a small party of Sappers attached to "C" Sqn. 3 Recce Regt. This Sqn. was ordered to advance in the area of South of DELMANHORST.
During the advance a very large number of enemy mines were encountered. Sgt. Falkner volunteered to go forward with the most leading elements; this he was allowed to do. Completely disregarding his own safety, this NCO on several occasions successfully cleared mines from the road under direct small arms fire.
Later, when a man was seriously wounded, this NCO again shewed the greatest courage and initiative by driving his 1/2 track vehicle across the road in order to screen and protect the wounded man from the enemy small arms fire.
Throughout the day this NCO not only set a magnificent example by his courage and determination, but his extremely gallant conduct enabled the Sqn to reach its objective."

I am aware that he attended several old comrades trips to Normandy and I would welcome any information concerning him.  I am aware that his son Julian Paul Faulkner passed away in 2019.

The photo shows Frank sitting on the extreme left of the front row. 

[athel_cb]

I see that no one has so far responded to your post, and I regret that I can't say anything useful about it either. However, I was attracted to it by the fact that I spent some of my formative years in Newton Abbot (off and on during the war, and in a less chaotic period from 1950 to 1956) -- not very close to 48 Twickenham Road, however, but on the other side of Torquay Road, at 20 Keyberry Park (which is not a park, but is close to Forde Park, which is).

[Mark Abbott]

Thank you for taking the trouble to reply.

I have discovered since my original post that Frank Faulkner worked for the GPO as a Installation Inspector.

I have attached a photo of his medal group.

[airbornesapper]

Hi Mark, thank you for your post on this brave Sapper, L/Sgt F.A. Faulkner. 

My parents are from the Newton Abbot area, so searching that fortunately yielded your post.  They still live there.

Wondering how you came by his medals, and also if you know where he may have been interned? If Newton Abbot, then I would visit the grave on my next visit.

Your aye, Kevin
A retired Sapper Major, Paratrooper and Bomb Disposal Officer.

[Mark Abbott]

Hello. Kevin

Thanks for your reply. I bought the medals at auction. I collect ww2 Military Medals and particularly like those to men who served in the 3rd Division who landed on Sword beach on D day.

L/Sgt Faulkner attended many reunions in Normandy and as a Dunkirk veteran he attended reunions there.

I am
Assuming he was. Legion member and wonder if the Legion in Newton Abbot have any
Photos of their veterans ? 
I am afraid I do not know where he is interned.

Best

Mark

[softly softly]

Hi, His birth is as below

FAULKNER, FRANCIS  ALEXANDER     mother's maiden name ALEXANDER 
GRO Reference: 1912  S Quarter in BRADFIELD  Volume 02C  Page 620
.........................
Faulkner
Francis Alexander
—
—
1945
British Army, Recommendations For Military Honours And Awards 1935-1990

.......................

Death

Francis Alexander Faulkner
Date of birth 16 Jul 1912   Feb 1996       Torbay   Devon

.....................

Parents marriage

Marriages Mar 1910 
FAULKNER    Francis Henry        Bradfield    2c   639    
TAYLOR    Ethel Elizabeth        Bradfield    2c   639  (previously married)

John

[Mark Abbott]

Many thanks

[Girl Guide]

There is a possible death for a Francis Alexander Faulkner in Torbay 1996.  Birth date given as 16 July 1912.  He appeared to be the only one in Devon with all the names.

GRO ref here:-

FAULKNER, FRANCIS  ALEXANDER     1912 
GRO Reference:  DOR  Q1/1996 in TORBAY  (4221A)  Reg A71A  Entry Number 297

The probate record gives a date of death as 26 February 1996.

Possible birth:-  FAULKNER, FRANCIS  ALEXANDER     ALEXANDER 
GRO Reference: 1912  S Quarter in BRADFIELD  Volume 02C  Page 620
 
Whether this is the same Francis as the one you have mentioned is hard to say without more details.

[Mark Abbott]

Unfortunately, due ti illness, I have not been able to spend much time carrying out any research into Frank Faulkner over the last couple of years.  I am however happy to report that I have discovered Frank was the Chairman of the Torbay branch of the Dunkirk Veterans Association.