Private Frank Thomas Masterson. 

240529 1/5th East Lancashire Regiment
Missing in Action 28th March 1918. Aged 21.

Frank was born in the March quarter of 1897 in Burnley. The son of John Masterson and Ellen Barker. In the 1901 census the family lived at 5 Cow Lane Burnley. John 37 Labourer and born in London. Ellen 37 weaver born in Blackburn, Maggie 13, Mary 12, Ellen 9, Annie 7 Frances 4 and John 8 months. All the children were born in Burnley.

By the time of the 1911 census the family had moved to 34 Peter St, Burnley. John 53, Ellen 53, Nelly 19 weaver, Annie 17 weaver, frank 14 and Albert 7. His parents had been married 27 years and had had 14 children 8 of whom had died.

From the Burnley Express dated 20th April 1918: Well-Known Swimmer.

News has been received that Private Frank Masterson, 240529, of the East Lancs whose father and sister's reside at 26 Derby Street Burnley, was killed in action on March 28th. The deceased who was 21 years of age and single, enlisted in October 1914 and soon afterwards went out to Egypt seeing considerable service in the east. For the last 14 months he had been in France. He was wounded and gassed about 4 months ago.  He afterwards came home on leave. Returning to the front about 10 weeks since. Before joining the army he was employed by the Healey Wood Mill Company, as a spinner. He attended St Mary's Roman Catholic Church and in connection with that place he won the championship shield for swimming. He was of a very cheerful disposition always smiling, and was much esteemed by all who knew him. His sister Mrs Andrews, who lives at the same address, is the wife of Private Harry Andrews, of the East Lancs who is now in hospital in Ireland, having been seriously wounded in the mouth.

Lived at 26 Derby Street.

Frank left his effects to his sister Ellen Andrews.

Frank is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France: Bay 6.