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The bells of this Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas were rung today as part of “Ringing to Remember” – the Durham & Newcastle Association of Church Bellringers First World War ringing commemoration. On this day one hundred years ago a bellringer from Christ Church, Consett died. We are ringing to celebrate his life and the ultimate sacrifice that he made.

2nd. Lieut. Frank Eales

Frank was born in Consett on the 4th. June 1894 and was the third of four Sons to William Eales of 22, Stephen Street, Consett, , a journalist, and his wife Isabella who was the daughter of John and Sarah Henderson. He attended the national schools and then the Technical Institute at Consett after which he was apprenticed as a Pattern Maker.

Frank volunteered for active service enlisting into the 13th. Durham Light Infantry on 7th. Sept. 1914. In January 1915 there was an article in the Newcastle Journal about the shortage of bellringers in Consett due to the number that had joined up. He served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from 25th. Aug. 1915 where he was wounded at Pozieres on 2nd. Aug. 1916 and invalided home. He returned to France 3rd. Dec. 1916, was transferred into the 2nd. Durham Light Infantry receiving his commission as 2nd. Lieut. 12th. Rifle Brigade ( The Prince Consort’s Own ) 14th. Aug.1917. With all of his Company he was severely gassed in Sept. 1918 again being invalided home. He returned to France in Nov. of 1918. Frank was demobilised in Feb. 1919. Whilst returning home he contracted pneumonia following a bout of influenza dying in Consett on 2nd. March 1919. His commanding officer said of him “a hard working officer who has always given satisfaction in any work he has had to carry out”.

Frank is buried in a family grave ( 4 C 108 ) at Blackhill, Consett with his brother Frederick Thomas, who although not a bellringer, was killed in action by machine-gun fire attempting to rescue a wounded comrade on 26th. Dec. 1917.

Frank is remembered on the ringers memorial plaque in this Cathedral, on a plaque originally in the Consett Technical Institute but now in the hall of Consett Community Sports College, on De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour, and in the Central Council of Church Bellringers Great War Memorial Book below the ringing chamber at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Frank Eales - we have remembered you