Frederick Tibbs hailed from Napton, near Rugby, Warwickshire, where he was employed in the local cement works. On September 9th, Fred was found psychically fit to serve by the recruiting office despite being laid up for several weeks the previous winter. He became a driver for the ASC but was not there long before poor health put him in hospital and he was diagnosed with Nephritis and Rheumatism. The Army Medical Board at Aldershot heard that Fred suffered continual pain in his back and legs and that his heart was dilated and enlarged. He was medically discharged. Not to be done with the War yet, Fred then decided to join the Royal Defense Corps and was posted to Dorchester. Among his duties was acting as a guard at the large German POW camp in Dorchester. On 21st July 1916, at Poundbury Camp, Fred complained of feeling ill and was in great pain. Having been seen by the MO at the military hospital in the Depot barracks, he died, aged 42. The post-mortem results showed Fred died of disease of the heart and other organs. During the War Dorchester had many impressive military funerals, including Fred's. As well as the usual firing party, military band, funeral bier and carriages of mourners, the procession was followed by 80 soldiers of his company. The whole procession moved slowly and solemnly down the high street to the tune of the Dead March, on its way to Fordington Cemetery where he was buried. In August 2013, Fred's grave was rediscovered by his family with the great help of local historian Brian Bates and the Keep Military Museum, for which they remain tremendously grateful.

Samuel Flowers