Private Frederick Spencer Wellesley Bagot

Born: 28th May 1889

Date of Death: 21 October 1916

Age: 26

Frederick Spencer Wellesley Bagot was born on the 28th May 1889 at 25 Emperor's Gate, South Kensington, London, to Arthur Greville Bagot and Mary Isabel Bagot. He was baptized on 26 June 1889 at St. Stephen’s Church, South Kensington, London. His grandfather was Vice Admiral Henry Bagot.

Early Life

In the 1891 Census, Frederick is recorded living with his parents at Park Villa, New Windsor. His father, Arthur Greville Bagot, is described as a retired captain of the 60th King’s Royal Rifles (KRR).

The Bagot family does not appear in the 1901 Census records, but Arthur Greville Bagot is listed in the 1902 Electoral Registers, residing at 86 York Street, Westminster, London. Tragically, Frederick’s mother, Mary Isabel, passed away on 7 December 1905 at 32 Nightingale Road, Southsea, Hampshire.

According to newspaper reports, Frederick Bagot played cricket for the Upavon Cricket Club between 1908 and 1911, suggesting he likely lived in the area during this time. This appears to be his connection to Upavon.

Frederick served as one of the club's Honorary Secretaries and was active in organizing events. A 1908 newspaper article mentions him arranging a fundraiser for the club, with G. Springbett listed as one of the participants. This indicates that Frederick Bagot knew George Springbett, who is also commemorated on this war memorial.

In the 1911 Census, Frederick, then aged 21, was living with his father at Stanwell Place Golf Club, where Arthur worked as the club manager.

On 10 December 1913, Arthur Greville Bagot remarried, wedding Mary Lillian Wall in Brighton, Sussex.

Military Service

Frederick joined the British Army and initially attained the rank of Lieutenant in the Rifle Brigade. A Medal Index Card for Temporary 2nd Lieutenant F.S.W. Bagot of the 12th Battalion Rifle Brigade, gazetted on 15 March 1915, indicates he entered France on 22 July 1915. However, on 16 September 1915, he was dismissed from service following a General Court Martial. The reasons for this dismissal are unclear but may have been influenced by personal turmoil, as Frederick’s father, Arthur Greville Bagot, passed away on 7 June 1915 in Rye, Sussex, at the age of 65.

Frederick later re-enlisted as a Private (Regimental Number: G/18180) in the 13th Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment. He fought in the Battle of Ancre Heights (1–11 October 1916) during the later stages of the Battle of the Somme. He was killed in action on 21 October 1916.

Medals and Legacy

Frederick was entitled to the British War Medal and Victory Medal, with no cross-reference to his earlier officer service or his dismissal. He is commemorated on two Medal Index Cards under different service records:

• As Temporary 2nd Lieutenant F.S.W. Bagot (Rifle Brigade)
• As Private Spencer Bagot (Royal Sussex Regiment, Regimental Numbers 4138 and G/18180).

Frederick is buried at Grandcourt Road Cemetery in Grandcourt, France. He is remembered with honour.