Page 38 - Sylvia Malt - Side by Side

Family Tragedy - In November 1916, Frederick's father-in-law, John Rogers Creasey of
Hadlow Road, Sidcup, committed suicide by shooting himself in a 1st class carriage at
Charing Cross Station. The inquest held a short time after concluded that he had some
business worries but was also deeply affected by all the stress of the war and concern
about the fate of his close family and friends. Frederick Corke gave evidence that his
father-in-law was usually of a jovial, genial, happy disposition but lately he had changed
greatly and had been depressed and miserable.

Feeling increasingly pressured to play his part in the country’s struggle, Frederick Corke
enlisted and on 23rd June 1917 and was gazetted to 2nd Temporary Lieutenant in the
Labour Corp. Five days later he went to France where he joined the Chinese Labour
Corps. On being transferred his men gave him a special letter of thanks, written in
Chinese, showing their appreciation of his leadership. He came home on leave in
November 1917 and shortly after returning to France he was transferred again, this time to
the Infantry. Later, with the urgent need to provide men for the battle zone, he was given
only five weeks training before joining his Artillery Company in France. In February 1918,
he was posted to the Lincolnshire Regiment and the same evening was sent up to the
trenches where he was soon having to take part against the great German offensive. From
the Lincolnshire Regiment Frederick Corke was attached to the Field Engineers.

The Lincolnshire Regiment’s position bordered the Fifth Army and although not directly
attacked, they were quickly in danger of being outflanked. On the afternoon of 10th April,
1918, Frederick Corke was returning to his platoon when he was killed. An accompanying
officer reported that a machine gun was turned on Frederick at close range, which made it
impossible to get any of his personal belongings. His body was never recovered for burial.

Memorial Service at Foots Cray Baptist Church - June 1918

A moving Memorial Service was held on Sunday 16th June conducted by the Rev. R.
Morrison and attended by a large number of Frederick Corke's close friends and many
family members. Some of his favourite hymns were sung and Rev. Morrison read out many
sincere letters of condolence received from far and wide. Frederick was described as a
most lovable character, friendly and light-hearted, loyal to the Church and someone who
gave his time to help anyone who was in need. A letter from the Rev. G. Wright said that he
was a true friend and knew that the Church's loss was indeed a very sad and deep
one. Could Foots Cray spare him? We should have said no, but our Lord is the head of the
Church and who knows what he may now do to replace his servant?

In Memoriam: No known grave. Remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.

Foots Cray Baptist Church, Sidcup Hill

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