St Patrick's Convent School, Deanery Avenue, was built as a memorial to the men and boys of St Patrick's Parish who died in the carnage of WWI. Sadly, that building no longer exists. There is just an empty space where once generations of girls and boys rushed past the memorial plaque by the front entrance. Thanks to Fr Wayne Dohey, the plaque has been erected in St Patrick's Church.
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| St Patrick's Convent School, Deanery Avenue |
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The Plaque which was at the main entrance
of the school
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One of the First 500, Frank Woodford was a single man living with his parents, John and Jane Woodford, at 7 Convent Square. Frank was a machinist making wire nails and earning $7.80 a week. He had blue eyes and light hair and on the day of his enlistment, 5th September 1914, he had a cut right hand!
While training in Scotland, Frank had met a girl, Miss Bethia Morton. It must have been serious because Frank left instructions that she should be notified in the event of his death.
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| Frank's written instructions |
Miss Morton heard that Frank had been wounded and she was still seeking news in August when she wrote this poignant letter.
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| Betty Morton's poignant letter |
Regimental Number 364, Pte Frank Woodford, was killed in action at Beaumont Hamel on 1st July 1916. He was 23 years old.
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| Regimental Number 364, Pte Frank Woodford |
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| WE WILL REMEMBER THEM |
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