LOSTOCK HALL ROLL OF HONOUR
9992 PTE. F. SHOLLIKER. SCOTS GDS.
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Fred Sholliker was born on 5 August 1895 and baptised at St Saviour’s Bamber Bridge on 8 September. His father Richard (b. 1870 in Bretherton) was a general labourer. His mother was Alice Ann Astley (b. 1872 in Farington). The couple were married at Farington St Paul’s on 12 November 1892. They had five children, two of whom died in infancy, so Fred was their oldest surviving child, and the other two were May (b. 1897) and Percy (b. 1904). In 1901 the family were living at Lostock Fold, but by 1911 had moved to 5 Princess Street, Lostock Hall, and Richard had found work as a stationary engine driver in a bleach works, Fred and May were weavers in the mill.
The extract from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour says Fred enlisted in September 1914 ad went to France in January 1915 and gives some details of the circumstances of his death. Further details can be gathered from the War Diary. 1st Battalion Scots Guards went back into the trenches at Hooge, near Ypres, on 27 March. “Trenches were in a bad state, being very wet and in much need of heightening and repair. Hostile artillery active throughout the day directing fire against trenches and supporting batteries. Fine. Heavy rain after dark.” 28 and 29 March were relatively quiet, and the Battalion continued to work on strengthening their trenches. On 30 March“Severe bombardment by the enemy’s artillery commencing at 1.30pm and lasting until 7pm. Trenches badly damaged and practically obliterated in places. Heavy casualties. Relieved at night by 3rd Grenadier Guards and returned to Ypres.”
Fred was killed in his dugout. He was just 20 years old. 1Bn Scots Guards lost 30 men that day, including Fred. His mother received a War Gratuity of £6 10s. After the War, Fred’s parents moved to Leyland and lived at 23 Cowling Lane, Coronation Terrace.
Rank: Private
Service No: 9992
Date of Death: 30/03/1916
Age: 20
Regiment/Service: Scots Guards, 1st Bn.
Grave Reference: B. 8.
Cemetery: POTIJZE BURIAL GROUND CEMETERY
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