Auxiliary Fire Service
Story
Frank was born on 4th November 1902 at 52 Victoria Street, Allerton Bywater. He was the son of William Charlston (1869-1958) who was from Selby, and Emma Mathers (1876-1935) who was from Bowers Allerton. The couple married on 19th October 1895 in Allerton Bywater.
Frank married Ethel Horsfield (1907-1985) in Allerton Bywater on 4th February 1933. Frank was working temporarily as a Postman at the time, and they lived at 3 Bland’s Avenue. In 1938, after the birth of two daughters, Mary and Barbara, Frank and Ethel moved to Kippax High Street, and had a son Edwin, named after Ethel’s father. During the War, Frank joined the Kippax Auxiliary Fire Service (pictured below in 1941):
The Auxiliary Fire Service began training for the War effort in May 1940, and its development was described in the report (below) which was printed 28th February 1941. The main officials were also pictured in an earlier article from 19th April 1940, as they stepped up their recruitment from local villagers.
The AFS trained at the abandoned Kippax Park Hall (below), and were taught fire-fighting techniques:
After the War, Frank and Ethel moved to 24 New Street, and Frank resumed work as a Builder’s Labourer. Frank passed away in 1974.
Kippax Roll of Honour 